More Thank Yous

Thanksgiving. It is the holiday which is a favorite for so many of us - we usually feel blessed about family and friends, our homes, jobs and security. This Thanksgiving there are many economic insecurities for many of us, but when we say thanks we always feel better. So here goes what will probably be a series of thank you’s to many who supported and participated in Women Build 2008. It is exactly one year ago that a group of women got together to plan for this special project. The Women Build project has had many, many friends and supporters to thank - the volunteers who tirelessly gave their days to ensure another family would have a home for the holidays and beyond; countless hours with countless women who are to be thanked individually - volunteers put in hundreds of hours with weeks of work. Also stay tuned on our website for what we are planning to do in 2009 - some exciting training programs for women!!!!!!

So, while we have used our newspapers and notes to thank on an ongoing way, we plan to use the next few weeks to publicly thank through our blog many of our supporters:

For our Garden Luncheon at Columbia Golf and Country Club:
Suzy Bales, garden writer, who spoke to a group of interested friends and supporters of Habitat at a wonderful luncheon at Columbia Golf and Country Club and helped us all to understand more about our gardens. Germantown and Greenport Garden Clubs for providing wonderful centerpieces for our luncheon; auction items by local artists: Gail Giles, Anna Cinquemani, Patricia Nolan and secured by Katy Nichols.

Foofsique quilters, Annie Quinn and Sandy Parker who worked alongside Steering Committee member, Melissa Sarris in the preparing of the marvelous signature quilt for the Khan family.

Chatham Middle School supervisor, Nancy Barth, who understands the meaning of service and imparts this to our youngsters.

Taconic Hills National Honor Society for not only providing a generous financial contribution, but participating in building under the hot, hot sun.

If I Had a Hammer Cocktail Party hosted by the Toll family. They graciously opened up their home and provided wonderful food and drink to raise over $8,000 for Women Build.

The Second Show for sponsoring Working Girls Fashion Show and Jason’s Upstairs and all the wonderful folks who were outstanding models and all of the marvelous vendors who provided such outstanding auction items- what an incredible success and such enormous fun!

Hudson’s Red Dot and Le Gamin, outstanding restaurants that supported us throughout the build by encouraging patrons to support us !!!!!

Our fabulous graphic designer, Elizabeth DiPalma, who ensured that we had the most tastefully and gorgeous posters and invitations.

Our webmasters - Laurie Quinn for bringing us to the internet and Pat Baer for ensuring stuff got posted.

- Joyce Lapenn

Completed Quilt for the Khan Family

Thank you to all who donated to this beautiful project!

Senator Saland Speaks @ Dedication

Thank You

Dear Crew Leaders,

On Sunday, we experienced the rewards for our efforts. We celebrated the completion of both the Women Build house and the traditional build house. For those of you who weren't there, it was a wonderful day. The weather was perfect and the houses were on display and showing off the contributions of so many generous hours of work. It was moving to walk around, recognizing a bit of our own work, here and there, that became a part of a house that WE built! The ceremonies were moving, with words of support, congratulation and thanks from elected officials, our Habitat team and, most important, new home owners.

To all of you, for your contributions to this magnificent achievement, thank you!!! And we hope to see you all next year. Through this effort, you have become experienced builders ....with wisdom to share.

Thank you,

Pat Baer
Crew Leader Coordinator & Board Member

Kirsten Gillbrand Speaks @ Dedication