Chris Knight with his Uninted Way excellence award.
Christopher Knight, our student Board Member, was an honored guest today at the 15th annual United Way Volunteer of the Year luncheon. Chris received a special framed certificate of appreciation for all his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Klamath Union High School and First United Methodist Church. Colonel Thomas Schiess, commander of ORANG, Kingsley Field, presented the “Award of Excellence” and read a brief statement about Chris' volunteer efforts. The enthusiastic (and proud) support group in the audience made sure everyone present knew Chris was definitely appreciated!
Brock Nelson presents Fran Coker with much needed Union Pacific Foundation contribution.
Klamath Basin Habitat for Humanity received a long awaited grant from Union Pacific Foundation. The $10,000 check was hand-delivered by Brock Nelson, Director of Public Affairs with Union Pacific Railroad. According to Mr. Nelson, “It is so refreshing to have a job where I can bring funding to nonprofit organizations that helps them do great things in their communities.”
During his visit to Klamath Falls, Mr. Nelson met with representatives of Klamath Basin Habitat for Humanity. They included: Fran Coker, Executive Director; Ben Coker, Construction Supervisor; and Ed Williams, Board Member and Union Pacific retiree. Mr. Nelson also received a guided tour of the Habitat house currently under construction.
The 2008 Home Builders Association Home Show is now history. As our 10th consecutive year for running the Concession Stand, we had our most successful year ever! We certainly want to say “Thank You” to the Bonanza Fire Department volunteers who came and ran the kitchen on Saturday. You guys were awesome! Thank You also to the following businesses who either donated products directly or provided discounts:
We also thank our own volunteers who came and pitched in, helping to make sure everything run more smoothly. Hopefully, we can out-do ourselves next March!
The “Helping Hands” raffle quilt is now on display at Nibbley's Cafe, 2650 Washburn Way. You can view this gorgeous quilt in person and purchase as many tickets as you want while you help a great cause and enjoy great food. Remember: the raffle drawing will be held Sunday, March 9, 2008.
Our “Helping Hands” quilt raffle tickets are now available. We are selling tickets at 1 for $1, and 6 for $5, 12 for $10 etc. This beautiful quilt was created during the Third Thursday event in 2005. This spring, Heart of the Basin Quilt Group members designed, pieced and quilted it for us to get it finally finished. We especially say Thank You to Patty Tucker and Karen Gibson for their creative talents! The drawing will be held on March 9, 2008. Please help us raise funds by buying lots of tickets.
Saturday, October 6th found over 150 runners and walkers participating in the 1st annual Fun Run/Walk at Running Y. We did not organize the event, but we were the beneficiaries of the proceeds. The tagline was certainly accurate - “A challenge for those who run, beautiful views for those who walk, and a home for everyone!” Participants traveled up and down hills around the golf course and resort, covering a 5K distance. Our board president's husband, Ken Usher, came in fourth overall. Our Klamath Union High School board member, Chris Knight, came in within one second of his brother, and both won ribbons in their age group. The weather was gorgeous, the food was yummy, and the event organizers presented a donation check of $1,805 to Klamath Basin Habitat for Humanity. Everyone had a great time, and we certainly appreciate the donation.
Saturday, September 15th had the perfect weather for our 6th annual Basin Bike and Build event. Almost 80 riders enjoyed great weather and good cycling, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Congratulations to Kelly Gonyaw for completing her first ever Century Ride (100 miles), and also being our Champion Fund Raiser. This year, we gave participants the option of raising additional funds beyond just paying the entry fee. Several rose to the challenge, and we have received almost $900 from their efforts. Depending on the amount of money they raised, they received incentives, such as a Basin Bike and Build water bottle and even an embroidered logo sweatshirt. Thank you to everyone who came and supported our ride. Please be sure to mark your calendar for next year's ride – already scheduled for September 20, 2008.
A time to celebrate partnership with churches. We're distributing full color paper banks that look like a house and asking congregation members to put their loose change in the bank during the month of September. The bank can be set up in the home, office, and meetings. Habitat volunteers will collect the banks in early October. Your change helps Klamath Basin Habitat for Humanity make "change" for a Klamath Basin family. If your church would like to participate, please have a representative call our office at 541-883-2481.
Executive Director presents Gail Ragsdale with her Hammer Flag pin, as a
Charter Member of the Foundation 400.
Congratulations to Gail Ragsdale on becoming our first official “member” in the Foundation 400. She is actually the inspiration for the program. Gail started making a monthly donation to Klamath Basin Habitat for Humanity in December 2003. Gail says "having a check sent automatically from my bank each month is the only way I won't forget it!” We greatly appreciate Gail's steady support, and are now encouraging many other members of the community to join her in the Foundation 400. (Click on the Flag icon in the next article for full details about the Foundation 400).