The Moorings Habitat committee recently served up a big helping of appreciation during an Ice Cream Social Reception at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club, where the result of yet another record-breaking Moorings Classic Weekend was announced.
The cherry on top was the presentation of a check for $877,000 to Indian River Habitat for Humanity, helping it to “bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
“We’re here today not only for ice cream sundaes, but to celebrate and thank the many Moorings volunteers who have made our President’s Weekend of events work so well,” said David Sommers, Moorings Habitat committee chairman.
The event this year raised more than $690,000, which will fund the construction of six new homes, repair 12 homes and provide 15 scholarships next year.
In addition to providing staff and support for the weekend’s events, the Moorings Club participates in the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program, which diverts sales-tax dollars from the state directly to Habitat. This year, the club redirected sales tax of $187,000 in addition to the funds raised during the President’s Weekend activities.
“CCTCP is a state-funded program for community-based affordable housing,” Sommers explained, noting that the principal requirement to participate in the program is the accrual of enough volunteer hours to qualify for the tax rebate.
Over the past 24 years a combined member/CCTCP total of more than $11 million has funded the construction of 90 homes, repaired 110, and provided 140 scholarships.
“The results of your efforts this year are unprecedented,” said Trevor Loomis, IR Habitat CEO.
“We have never seen any sort of philanthropic giving at this level. Without that, we could not do what we do at the level that we do it.”
Loomis said that behind the dollar amount, residents and staff members are who truly make a difference.
“Volunteerism is how we are able to build houses in a more affordable manner,” said Loomis.
He added that thanks to Moorings residents and other funders, Habitat has provided 1,100 scholarships over the past decade to homeowners and their children.
“That is a lot of education. It has led, in many cases, to life-changing job changes and job prospects, and an ability to increase income in a way that not only changes their current situation but can allow generational change,” said Loomis.
Sommers shared that a new scholarship program is being piloted to help parents fund enrollment in state-licensed early childhood programs from age 1 until the child is eligible for Head Start or state voluntary Pre-K programs.
“This is a huge additional step in helping these families achieve their long-term goals. It’s another Habitat program that goes far beyond just the building of houses,” said Sommers.
For more information, visit IRCHabitat.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
