FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WACO, Texas (November 14, 2014) — Waco Habitat for Humanity was announced today as the fifth First National Bank McGregor Charity Champion. The bank awarded this distinction to the nonprofit because of its work in bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope in Central Texas.
“Habitat Partner Families live and work in McLennan County, purchase homes, pay for repairs, support the community, and add value to our county,” said Waco Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, Brenda Shuttlesworth. “As a Charity Champion, we salute these often overlooked and underappreciated true champions among us!”
Waco Habitat for Humanity will be the focus of a marketing campaign funded by the bank, including broadcast, print and banner advertising and social media efforts to promote their goals. Also, a video about the organization will be played and its representatives honored at the November 22 Baylor University football game in McLane Stadium. The goal of the Charity Champions program is to increase awareness of nonprofits’ missions and needs.
To continue its work in the community, Waco Habitat for Humanity is looking for two new house sponsors at $45,000 each, 10 critical home repair sponsors at $5,000 and five handicapped-accessible wheelchair ramp sponsors at $1,500 each.
In addition, Shuttlesworth says her organization needs to control the climate in its fundraising re-sale store, called the “ReStore.” They need to raise $25,000 to pay for spray foam insulation for the 14,000 square foot ReStore warehouse, along with heating, ventilation and air conditioning, estimated to cost $50,000. Research shows climate-controlled warehouses yields a 10 percent increase in retail sales. Therefore, Shuttlesworth believes these improvements will pay for themselves in two years.
“Waco Habitat for Humanity thanks First National Bank McGregor for naming us a Charity Champion,” said Shuttlesworth. “We stand humbled by this designation and take this opportunity to not only highlight the amazing ministry of Waco Habitat for Humanity but to provide a voice for the hard-working people we serve.”
FNB McGregor’s president, David Littlewood, explained that First National Bank McGregor will also cover costs for Waco Habitat for Humanity staff to attend executive leadership training with 360 Solutions in 2015.
“We purposely decided not to give our Charity Champions a lump sum check,” said Littlewood. “Raising awareness about their goals and providing training for their leadership will engender lasting public support and provide knowledge their executive teams need to hopefully create a thriving legacy of service for years to come.”
ABOUT WACO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity empowers those in need of a home, by allowing them to take part in building houses alongside volunteers. Since 1986 Waco Habitat and its volunteers have built 156 new homes and repaired 372 owner-occupied homes in McLennan County. Each year the local chapter builds seven to eight homes, an estimated 15 handicapped-accessible wheelchair ramps for homeowners and repairs 25 Central Texas homes. Visit them at http://www.wacohabitat.org/waco-habitat-staff or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wacohabitat to learn more about Waco Habitat for Humanity.
ABOUT FIRST NATIONAL BANK MCGREGOR’S CHARITY CHAMPIONS
To honor local charitable organizations while commemorating the bank’s 125th anniversary in 2014, First National Bank McGregor launched a program entitled “Charity Champions” in partnership with Baylor University and 360 Solutions. The bank is celebrating this milestone by developing a new non-profit leadership program, which will empower local charities for years to come. Previous First National Bank McGregor Charity Champion 2014 winners have been Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McLennan and Hill Counties, AVANCE Waco, Generations Adoptions and the Family Abuse Center. The bank’s sixth Charity Champion will be chosen from 29 nominated organizations and announced November 28. Visit https://www.tfnbtx.com/charity-champions/ to nominate a charity for consideration. Follow Charity Champions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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E.H. Anderson PR
