Friday Happenings

Hi Habitat friends!

Be sure to participate in our GEM of a fundraiser:

Bay Jewelry Company has graciously offered our affiliate the opportunity to raise 40% from all online jewelry sales generated through our website. You can visit the website at www.bayjewelrycompany.com/?ephabitatforhumanity and click on "contact us" to learn more....you can view the jewelry by clicking on the right side of the page. It's that simple! Be sure to read the feature story in this month's e-newsletter.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our May Grant Writing Workshop:

We will be hosting a Grant Writing Workshop during the second half of May (date to follow). Our speaker is gifted in the area of grants and we are eager to learn how to tap into the abundance of funding available to non-profits. We hope you can join us! Respond to info@ephabitat.org with questions or to register for the workshop.

Not receiving our e-newsletter? Be sure to visit our website and sign up! Don't be left out...

Happy Friday!!

Grant Writing Workshop

Is your organization in need of funds? East Pasco Habitat for Humanity is hosting a grant writing workshop in Dade City at the end of May. The cost will be $50.00 per person, with lunch included.

There are a lot of funds out there for the asking. Find out how your organization can benefit!

Please respond to info@ephabitat.org if you are interested in registering for the workshop.

Blessings to you!

Making a Difference

On April 9, 2007 Habitat Home recipient, Jennifer Timms, wrote a wonderful letter to the St. Petersburg Times thanking East Pasco Habitat for Humanity for their work. We at EPHFH feel honored to have made a difference in the lives of the Timms family, and the rest of our Habitat community.

The letter reads as follows:
On March 31, an event took place that will forever change the lives of my children and me. We received the keys to our own home through East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. In this time of Easter, when we talk about new beginnings and new life, it is completely appropriate that we are able to celebrate this holiday in our new home.

There are too many individuals to thank personally, and I would hate to leave anyone out. First and foremost, my sons and I would like to thank the staff members of East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. Without their vision, we would have not achieved our dream of home ownership. The countless hours they work raising funds and awareness of the need for affordable housing in our area is overwhelming. Everyone I have encountered through Habitat for Humanity genuinely cares about those in need. This is a first-class organization, with a staff to match. I need to thanks the numerous volunteers. I am in a state of admiration and absolute awe of the sacrifices these people have made for my family.

The care-a-vanners are simply wonderful. They travel around building houses for other families like ours. They don't do this for money or fame. It is simply out of love and their desire to help others.

I would also like to thank the community members who have helped us, including various businesses. I have learned how blessed we are. We have a wonderful support system and people who care about us.

I encourage others to donate to East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. The need for quality, affordable housing in this area far exceeds the resources of one organization. However, if other organizations and individuals came together and worked together, miracles could happen. Other families could experience the joy we have. It is an amazing feeling. - Jenny Timms, Dade City

A Trip Worth Taking

John Finnerty, East Pasco Habitat for Humanity's CEO, is in Romania and Macedonia "checking out" what his build teams will be doing in June and October. As part of the "Global Village" program with Habitat International, John will be leading teams of 16 people from the USA to build homes in Pitest, Romania in June and 12 people for Skopje, Macedonia in October. He is accompanied on the "recon" trip by Jerry Rice.

EPHFH tithes "a house for a house" with Macedonia- each time an EPHFH home is built here, money is sent to build a home in Macedonia (the poorest country in Europe). Habitat for Humanity builds homes in over 100 countries and has Global Build Teams exchanging volunteers to facilitate the program. EPHFH recently hosted a team from Tokyo, Japan here in Dade City to work with local volunteers.

Stay tuned for more information!

Observance of Easter

It is that time of year for beautifully dyed Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and fellowship. Though these things may bring a smile to our face, let us not forget what Easter is all about. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ!

In observance of the Easter holiday, our office will be closed today 4/6 to provide our staff and volunteers the time to rejoice!

News & Notes:

• The Timm's family dedication on Saturday, March 31st was a wonderful event! The home was the end product of the Florida Medical Clinic-Foundation of Caring's donation.

• Our booth at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club Ladies Expo on Saturday, March 31st was a popular spot! The pink tools representing our upcoming fall Women's Build were real eye catchers. Keep tuned in for more information on the Build!

• EPHFH welcomes Janet Rodriguez Collura to our staff as Volunteer Coordinator. Janet comes to Habitat with a varied background of coordinating everything from people to food!