HBA Raises Over $100k for Local Charities in 2018
The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) is proud to announce that its members and supporters contributed more than $100,000 in 2018 to assist Kansas City area charities in their endeavors to improve the lives of people in our community.
During the Spring Parade of Homes, the HBA raised 195,480 meals ($65,000) to help Harvesters feed hungry children during the summer months. Calling it the Hammer out Hunger Challenge, teams held events, raffles, gave company discounts to customers, hosted Harvesters barrels at their stores and more to gather donations of food and money. A silent auction, sponsored by Capitol Federal, was held during the Parade of Homes Awards Ceremony on May 2 in which the teams contributed auction items ranging from Kendra Scott jewelry to an African safari trip.
“Last year, Harvesters’ Kids Cafe sites served 114,280 meals to children in need,” said Logan Healey, Harvesters food and fund drive engagement manager. “The money raised by the HBA during the Spring Parade of Homes will help feed hungry kids this summer and then some.”
During the HBA’s 2018 Artisan Home Tour, the organization raised nearly $50,000 to help Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in its mission to keep families close.
“The builders felt it was important to make this tour a fundraiser,” said Bruce Rieke, president of B.L Rieke Custom Homes and Artisan Home Tour Chairperson. “We chose Ronald McDonald House because we have a long-standing relationship with RMHC and feel it’s a natural fit to help families and children who need a place to stay because that’s what we do…we build homes.”
The HBA helped renovate and open the first Ronald McDonald house in 1981. HBA members then built the second house on Cherry Street, which celebrated its 30th birthday in 2018. A portion of the ticket sales and special VIP parties hosted by the builders at the Artisan Homes helped to raise money for RMHC.
The HBA also supported ReBuilding Together Clay County and the Builders Development Corporation (BDC) through donations this year. Rebuilding Together is an organization in Liberty, Mo., working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications for neighbors in need. BDC focuses on producing single-family and multifamily housing for low and moderate income households, especially for young families and seniors, as well as the revitalization of neighborhoods and communities.