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“We had some really fine
entries last year, some really
great concepts. There was a gi-
ant checkerboard, a sculpture of
‘Raising the Wall.’ It really ran
the gamut,” he said. He ex-
plained that Raising the Wall is
the term used when the wall of
a house is constructed with 2x4s
lying on the ground, then raised
into place to be connected to
other walls.
“This year we already have
heard we’ll get a giant clothes
pin, a banjo complete with strings
made strictly from 2x4s and a
giant mousetrap. Two of our top
six from last year are participat-
ing again for sure and we hope
for more,” Woith said. “We can’t
wait to see what they do. It re-
ally is a great way to raise some
money and have some fun while
emphasizing construction, which
is what we’re all about.”
The chapter began soliciting
artists in April and May 2011.
“Some of these take time and we
want the artists to have plenty of
time to work on them,” he said.
Woith said the national Habitat
for Humanity organization hasn’t
yet picked up on the 2x4s & More
concept. “We thought we’d do it
again this year and make sure it
really is something we can use
into the future. If so, we’ll pass it
on and see if they are interested,”
he said.
If you are unable to make it
to the Feb. 4 event, you can go
to www.habitatpeoria.org and
donate online.
“It all helps us to help others.
That’s what it’s all about,” Woith
said.
Habitat for Humanity helps
others, but it also requires those
it helps to help themselves. Each
house building project is a joint
venture between community and
homeowner. Houses are sold to
families with 20-year, no interest
mortgages.
Homeowners pay a monthly
mortgage payment to Habitat and
those funds are put back into a
Fund for Humanity that supports
the construction of more houses.
In addition, each homeowner
family is required to invest 350
to 500 sweat equity hours into
the construction of their house
and other Habitat projects. This
reduces the cost of the houses and
increases the pride of ownership
among family members.
Not for Profit
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