Tuesday, August 7, 2012
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Every Habitat home dedication is a big deal -- a joyous event. But Tuesday's 9 a.m. home dedication in St. Pete was all that and more as many Habitat supporters came out to celebrate the Wright family home, which just happened to be our 250th Habitat home!
In addition to the Wright family and friends, Mayor Bill Foster and several city officials came out to recognize Habitat's milestone event. Also in attendance representing the City of St. Petersburg were Joshua Johnson, Director of Housing and Community Development, Clarence Scott, Director of Leisure and Community Services, and City Councilmen Bill Dudley and Karl Nurse. Shirley Miaoulis, District Representative for the Office of Congressman C.W. Young also participated, as she has for most of the Habitat dedications this year. The occasion also attracted a local candidate for the Florida House, Josh Shulman.
We were also thrilled to have several Habitat Pinellas corporate sponsors turn out to show their support including staff from Tech Data, HSN, Progress Energy and Valpak, as well as several local television stations.
Mayor Foster assisted Shirley Miaoulis by presenting the Wright family with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, compliments of Congressman Young. In turn, Habitat Pinellas CEO/President Barbara Inman made a couple of presentations of her own. In recognition of the support that the Mayor and the City of St. Petersburg have extended to Habitat Pinellas, Barbara presented Mayor Foster with an appreciation plaque. Barbara also presented one to Shirley Miaoulis for Congressman Young in recognition of his ongoing flag contributions to Habitat home dedications this year.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WRIGHT FAMILY!
Janet Wright and her two daughters joyfully received the keys to their home from Andrea Wilson, 2011 chair for Habitat's "Hammers & Heartstrings Ball." Proceeds from the fundraising event provided the funding for the Wright family home, and also one other home earlier this spring. Special thanks to SunTrust Bank, which provided the land for the Wright home.
The dedication of the Wright family home marks an important milestone in our Habitat Pinellas history that has helped 250 low income families, including 635 children, escape the downward path of substandard housing. Many thanks to all the volunteers, financial sponsors and civic leaders who have enabled us to reach this milestone today!
PHOTOS: Top, Habitat Pinellas CEO/President Barbara Inman. Bottom, Shirley Miaoulis of U.S. Congressman C.W. Bill Young's office explained details of the flag, which Mayor Bill Foster holds, prior to the presentation to Janet Wright and her daughters. Inset above, Janet Wright, left, receives a welcome mat from homeowner candidate Elizabeth Gamble.
