Homebuilders in Southlake, Texas, have come together to raise funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the construction and sale of luxury homes. The initiative, part of the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace community located in the Carillon Parc development, aims to generate $1 million to support the hospital’s mission to treat children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Jennifer Kimble-McCauley, the area managing director for St. Jude’s fundraising organization, stated that the builders are actively engaging their subcontractors and previous homebuyers in this effort. “They were fundraising through their subs, their contractors, through people who bought homes from them before, all to help raise funds for St. Jude,” she explained. The showcase on Thursday highlighted the collaborative spirit among the five builders, each committing to raise $200,000 from their networks.
Collaborative Effort to Support Children’s Health
The project features five homes located on Riviera Lane, with listing prices exceeding $3 million for most properties. Each home showcases a distinct color scheme and features artwork created by a patient at St. Jude, adding a personal touch to the initiative. As of now, the community is approaching its fundraising goal, with Kimble-McCauley noting that they could achieve the $1 million target within the next week.
This unique fundraising approach marks a shift from previous efforts that typically focused on single homes. According to Kimble-McCauley, “St. Jude has worked on similar fundraising projects for singular homes, but this project was unique because it included a community of five homes and fundraised through builder contributions.” The collaboration also involved realtors and designers who contributed to the overall fundraising efforts, enhancing the community’s impact.
Jon Atwood, owner of Atwood Custom Homes, shared insights into the fundraising process. He explained that many contributions come from contractors who donate a portion of their fees. For instance, a contractor might receive $25,000 for electrical work, then choose to give back a percentage to St. Jude. “I’m going to hire him and I’m going to pay him $25,000 to do the electrical work in the house,” Atwood said. “I’m going to write him a check for $25,000 and he’s going to gift back what he feels comfortable, back to St. Jude.”
Building for a Cause
Atwood emphasized the profound impact of St. Jude’s work, noting that he and the other builders were motivated to participate because of the hospital’s mission. “We felt like this had the most impact and the most bang for the buck,” he remarked. Having toured the hospital in Memphis, he described the experience as deeply moving, emphasizing the extraordinary care provided to families and children.
The collaborative effort among these builders not only highlights their commitment to the community but also underscores the potential for the construction industry to drive positive change. As they continue to work towards their fundraising goal, the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace stands as a testament to what can be achieved when businesses unite for a common cause, making a significant difference in the lives of children battling serious health challenges.
