Blog entries tagged charity

Friendswood Development Company Hosts an Afternoon of Fun for Kids at Houston's Ronald McDonald ...

Cheryl Boe — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:15:48 +0100

Friendswood Development Company ‘s ongoing support of Houston’s Ronald McDonald House recently included an annual carnival held at the facility for residents, who include children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life threatening illnesses and their siblings.

The fun-filled afternoon was well deserved for the families residing at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, who had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of fun activities offered participants of all ages the chance to just act like kids.

From indoor bowling, popcorn and cotton candy machines to soccer, water balloon throwing and a duck pond game, carnival participants enjoyed events inside and out.

A number of associates from Friendswood Development Company spent the afternoon serving lunch, setting up and playing a number of games and handing out goodie bags and treats.

For nearly four years, the associates of Friendswood Development Company have been honored to donate their time, talents and hearts to a group of very special children and their families who are confronting what is often one of the most difficult challenges they will face in their lifetimes.

Each month, a team from Friendswood Development Company visits Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, located in the Texas Medical Center. Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has been a critical home away from home to families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

This unique facility continues to provide families of sick children from all over the world with a free place to stay as well as a strong support group and hope - all in a beautiful, welcoming setting where they have convenient access to critically needed care in the surrounding Texas Medical Center.

Houston’s Ronald McDonald House Receives $10,000 Donation From Friendswood Development Company

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:26:46 +0100

Friendswood Development Company recently presented a $10,000 check to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House as a part of its long-term and ongoing commitment to the outstanding facility. A division of Lennar Corporation, Friendswood Development Company’s donation comes through the company’s Focused Act of Caring.

With divisions throughout the country, Lennar Corporation rewards associates each year for their efforts in giving back to the community. This year, as a result of its support and commitment to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, Friendswood Development Company associates were awarded with a check for $10,000 from Lennar’s Focused Act of Caring program to present to the organization.

For nearly four years, the associates of Friendswood Development Company have been honored to donate their time, talents and hearts to a group of very special children and their families who are confronting what is often one of the most difficult challenges they will face in their lifetimes.

Each month, a team from Friendswood Development Company visits Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, located in the Texas Medical Center. Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has been a critical home away from home to families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

With every visit, Friendswood Development Company associates bring a catered lunch for the residents and staff, and planned activities such as arts and crafts. Each summer, Friendswood Development brings its mini carnival to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, offering family members of all ages a fun and memorable day of activities, games and prizes; and during the holidays, associates bring gifts to the Ronald McDonald House Store, which offers sick children and their siblings the opportunity to shop for their parents and other family members.

This unique facility continues to provide families of sick children from all over the world with a free place to stay as well as a strong support group and hope - all in a beautiful, welcoming setting where they have convenient access to critically needed care in the surrounding Texas Medical Center.

Supported by generous donors and volunteers, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has helped countless families get through difficult times including one former Friendswood Development Company associate who, with her family, utilized the facility as her brother battled cancer when she was a child.

Immediately upon suggesting the project to her co-workers, the idea was embraced and the relationship was formed. Today, Friendswood Development Company associates are considered a part of the family at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House.

From the very first visit, the children and families at the house have touched the hearts of Friendswood Development associates who are all inspired by the courage of the children battling illness and the strength and determination of the families who stand by them every step of the way.

More than an act of caring, this endeavor has become an important partnership for the associates of Friendswood Development Company and the exceptional families of Houston’s Ronald McDonald House and one that will last for years into the future.

photo (left to right): Nan Peavey (FDC), Nat Heston (FDC), John Hammond (president - FDC), Leslie Bourne (Ronald McDonald House), Haylee Bercaw (former FDC employee), Isaiah Bercaw and Monica Vega-Duffield (FDC).

26th Annual BP MS 150 to Austin

Greg Rivera — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:34:10 +0100

The 26th Annual BP MS 150 Houston-to-Austin bike ride, Texas’ largest non-profit sporting event and largest MS 150 in the nation, will be taking place April 17th – 18th with funds raised to benefit the National MS Society. The National MS Society: Lone Star has a goal to raise a record-setting $18 million in funds for research, programs, and services provided by Lone Star that benefit the 20,000 people affected by MS in 174 Texas counties.

An estimated 13,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the two-day, 180-mile trek from Houston to Austin.

Registration is available at www.ms150.org. Individuals, families and groups are also encouraged to volunteer for the more than 3,000 positions in Houston, Austin and along the route.

The ride starts at sunrise in Houston on Saturday, April 17 and finishes in downtown Austin near the Texas Capitol on Sunday, April 18, after an overnight celebration at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Three Houston-area starting points will be offered this year:

Omni Houston Hotel at Westside
13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX

Rhodes Stadium
Katy High School
1733 Katy Fort Bend Rd., Katy, TX

Waller Stadium
Waller High School
20735 Stokes Rd., Waller, TX

On day two, riders can choose one of two routes out of La Grange as they make their way to Austin.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS NOW — to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t. The National MS Society: Lone Star serves an estimated 20,000 individuals and their families affected by multiple sclerosis in 174 Texas counties. Lone Star has offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Friendswood Development Company, Village Builders, Team Up For GHBA Benefit Homes Project

Cheryl Boe — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:08:25 +0100

Friendswood Development Company and Village Builders are teaming up to carry on a 30-year tradition in Houston that has raised millions of dollars for local charities.

The 2010 Greater Houston Builders Association’s Benefit Homes Project will feature a new home built by Village Builders on a home site donated by Friendswood Development Company in its Oakhurst at Kingwood community.

For more than three decades, the GHBA has worked with its member partners resulting in raising more than $5 million for local charities. This year once again, proceeds from the sale of the home will benefit Texas Children’s Cancer Center, The Alzheimer’s Association and HomeAid Houston.

“We’re proud to be a part of this important project that enables us to give back to the community and great organizations that help the young, the elderly and the less fortunate,” said Tim Fitzpatrick, Community Development Manager for Oakhurst at Kingwood. “We appreciate all of the hard work and efforts of all of the donors and volunteers who bring the Benefit Homes Project together are confident that once again, the result will be a great success.”

Ground breaking for the Village Builders home is planned for this month and is expected to be completed by late spring.

In addition to Village Builders and Friendswood Development Company, the GHBA Benefit Homes Project is the result of the volunteer efforts of numerous association members who offer their time, materials, talents and services to maximize fund-raising efforts throughout the project.

Known for its direct access to US 59, Oakhurst at Kingwood features new homes priced from the $150,000s to the $800,000s. In addition to Village Builders, Oakhurst at Kingwood features new homes by Highland Homes, Lennar and Frontier Custom Builders. The community also features a daily fee golf course, golf course home sites, walking trails and a central recreation center complete with a pool, playground and clubhouse.

Friendswood Development Company Honored To Be A Part Of Houston’s Ronald McDonald House

Greg Rivera — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:07:53 +0100

With every visit, FDC associates bring a catered lunch for the residents and staff, and planned activities such as arts and crafts. Each summer, Friendswood Development brings its mini carnival to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, offering family members of all ages a fun and memorable day of activities, games and prizes; and during the holidays, associates bring gifts to the Ronald McDonald House Store, which offers sick children and their siblings the opportunity to shop for their parents and other family members.

Supported by generous donors and volunteers, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has helped countless families get through difficult times including one former Friendswood Development Company associate who, with her family, utilized the facility as her brother battled cancer when she was a child. Immediately upon suggesting the project to her co-workers, the idea was embraced and the relationship was formed. Today, Friendswood Development Company associates are considered a part of the family at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House.

From the very first visit, the children and families at the house have touched the hearts of Friendswood Development associates who are all inspired by the courage of the children battling illness and the strength and determination of the families who stand by them every step of the way.

More than an act of caring, this endeavor has become an important partnership for the associates of Friendswood Development Company and the exceptional families of Houston’s Ronald McDonald House and one that will last for years into the future.

$17 Million in Stimulus Money will Help the Homeless as Private Donations are Down

Greg Rivera — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:19:42 +0100

For years many Houston area Social Service agencies have helped Houston residents stay afloat and prevent homelessness, but recently there has been a drop in private donor giving, paired with a rise in need for assistance. Memorial Assistance Ministries saw a 30% decline in giving, and SEARCH Homeless Services had an increase of people in need rise from 1,400 to 2,200 people over the year.

For some these figures may sound bleak, but thankfully for Houston residents it looks like there is still hope in sight for those in need.

About $17 million in federal stimulus money will go to Houston area social service agencies to help prevent homelessness. Local agencies have seen a rise in needs as they are seeing more people homeless for the first time. This is where Charlene Pettway finds herself – the single mother of a 14 year old son, she had worked three jobs to make ends meet, but when she lost all of them within a five month period she came to Houston to look for a better life.

“People don’t realize it’s the people you to go church with and the people you go to work with. It doesn’t matter how well you plan. Things happen,” Pettway shared. This is true as more people are on the verge of homelessness with fewer dollars. Normally agencies provide rent and utility assistance for one month, but there is an increase as more people need assistance for 3-5 months. But the stimulus will help fill the gap and get help to those in need.

Harris County recently awarded about $4.4 million in funding to six agencies, Houston will soon award approximately $12.3 million to 11 agencies, and more agencies in Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties are expected to receive stimulus funding as well. Houston residents can take comfort in knowing that there is help out there when needed, and the people in need will continue to get assistance this year as the need rises.

Source: www.chron.com

Ben Stein Speaks In Houston For Salvation Army Fund Raiser

Greg Rivera — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:31:17 +0100

The Salvation Army has done a great service to Houston, and this time television icon/economist Ben Stein will be doing something for them. Stein will be the keynote speaker for The Salvation Army during the Greater Houston Area Command Annual Luncheon Fundraiser.

The event will be held at the Hilton-Americas Hotel in Houston on November 3rd, where he will be delivering his own brand of humor along with his words of wisdom. Luncheon chairs Jim P. and Jane Wise will honor William T. Slick Jr. as the 2009 Honoree for his leadership, volunteerism, and loyal support as a life member of the Salvation Army.

"We are excited to have Ben Stein as the guest speaker for the 2009 Salvation Army of Houston Annual Luncheon. Mr. Stein’s national reputation and relaxed and funny style will be stimulating and fun for all who attend the luncheon," according to the Wises.

Best known for his role in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the game show "Win Ben Stein's Money", Stein has also earned his reputation as an economist, a best selling author, and a former columnist for the New York Times.

The Salvation Army's annual luncheon is set to raise funds for Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery Counties. Individual tickets are $150 with table sponsors range from $3,000 to $25,000, with all proceeds will be donated to 119,000 locals who rely on The Salvation Army of Greater Houston annually.

For tickets, sponsorship details and other information please contact Denise Furlough at (832) 201-8026 or by email at Denise_Furlough@uss.salvationarmy.org. You can also visit their website at www.salvationarmyhouston.org.

Source: Houston Business Journal and SalvationArmyHouston.org

Donations for 10-Year Anniversaries

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Both the Hometown Bank of Friendswood and the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation are celebrating their own 10-year anniversaries. In honor of the event, Hometown Bank maintains its tradition of donating $5,000 to the Foundation every year. So far, the Bank has given $50,000 to the organization that rewards grants to recognized teachers and the school district, all for the betterment of the children.

“We are happy to partner with Friendswood ISD to impact children and teachers in the exemplary district,” said Vice President Allan Rasmussen. “As both of us celebrate 10 years, we stand together and look forward to the next 10.”

This positive attitude is echoed in the bank’s optimistic outlook for the economic future. “I am very excited about the local economic outlook for 2009. The performance of a community bank is a direct reflection of the local economy we serve. Our citizens have a strong will and a determined heart, and their positive attitude will move our economy forward,” said Bank President and CEO Jimmy Rasmussen.

Source: Friendswood Journal

Graystone Hills Sponsors HAR TREPAC Night

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Friendswood Development Company's Graystone Hills community sponsored the Houston Association of Realtors TREPAC Night at the Races event held on Thursday, April 30th at Dosey Doe. The event was held to benefit the TREPAC/Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee.

The Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee represents nearly 90,000 members across the state of Texas. The group emphasizes the difference between a REALTOR® and one who is "merely licensed by the state to sell real estate". That difference is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which requires REALTORS® to put their clients' interests first at all times.

To learn more about TREPAC, visit TexasRealtors.com.

Friendswood Development Donates to Lamar CISD

Greg Rivera — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Friendswood Development Company recently donated $28,873 to the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation. Two Friendswood Development Company communities – Lakemont and Walnut Creek – are located in the Lamar CISD. The recent donation is equal to a nickel per square foot of property Lamar Consolidated Independent School District purchased in the Walnut Creek subdivision that will be the location for Cora Thomas Elementary, LCISD’s 20th elementary campus.“The work of the foundation is extremely important in helping the district and the teachers provide an outstanding education for the students” said John Hammond, president of Friendswood Development Company. “We’re very proud to be a part of the district’s growth and achievements.”

“Hopefully, this donation will make a real impact on the students and in the classrooms,” said Javier Martinez, community development manager for Walnut Creek. “Schools are such important factor for many people when they are considering a move and we’re confident that Lamar CISD offers an excellent academic experience, helping prepare students for a bright future.”

“L.E.A.F. is appreciative of this wonderful donation from Friendswood Development.,” said L.E.A.F. board president Vincent Morales. “We also thank the LCISD school board for their assistance in securing this gift.”

L.E.A.F. was created to encourage teachers to develop creative instructional strategies in the classroom. District teachers are given the opportunity to make their creative ideas a reality, while positively impacting student learning. L.E.A.F. awarded more than $161,000 during the 2007 funding period and has awarded more than $732,000 in eight years.

West Ranch - Helping A Hero

Greg Rivera — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

PHOTO: Steven Schulz at the West Ranch Helping a Hero event is surrounded by his family, father Steven, brother Clay, sister Elaine, and mother Debbie, along with the Honorable S. Ward Casscells, M.D Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and State Senator Mike Jackson.

One local hero is now the proud owner of a brand new home in West Ranch, thanks to the Helping a Hero program, Friendswood Development Company and Perry Homes. On November 14, Corporal Steven Schulz, U.S.M.C. and his family were presented with the keys to his new home during a special event that included a number of special guests and a variety of local media.

Schulz, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury fighting the war in Iraq, has received numerous honors for his bravery and accomplishments including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Marine Corp. Good Conduct Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal. A graduate of Friendswood High School, Schulz, whose mother Debbie was also a teacher at Friendswood High School, wanted to remain living in Friendswood but needed a home to fit his needs.

The home site, donated by Friendswood Development Company in the master-planned community of West Ranch in the city of Friendswood and Perry Homes, which continues to build homes for returning war heroes, worked together with Meredith Iler and the Helping a Hero program to build a beautiful, spacious one-story home that easily accommodates the needs of Steven with features such as wider doorways, lowered kitchen counters and appliances, tile floors making it easy to move around in his wheelchair and a roll-in shower in the master bath, to name just a few.

Among the many special guests in attendance were Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs - The Honor able S. Ward Casscells, M.D., Congressman Ron Paul and State Senator Mike Jackson as well as members of the Honor Guard, a number of veterans and a number of military servicemen. Also at the event were Corporal Schulz’s family – his mother Debbie, his father Steven, his brother Clay and sister Elaine who was among the guest speakers.

For more information on the Helping a Hero Wounded Hero Home Program, visit the website at www.helpingahero.org.

JUNE 9, 2008 - GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HONORS START OF NEW HOME THROUGH HELPING A HERO.ORG FOR A LOCAL FRIENDSWOOD MARINE, CORPORAL STEVEN SCHULZ

PHOTO: Peter Easterly (Division President, Perry Homes), John Hammond (President, Friendswood Development Company), Steve and Debbie Schulz, Cpl Steven Schulz, USMC, Secretary Robert Mosbacher (in whose honor this home is being built), Meredith Iler (Chairman, Helping a Hero.org's Wounded Hero Home Program), State Rep. Larry Taylor, Mayor David Smith (Mayor of Friendswood). photo by Carson George.

For one special Friendswood family, sacrifice is something that is a part of their lives every day. After 9/11, Steven Schulz, the oldest of three children of Debbie and Steven Schulz of Friendswood, entered the Marine Corps. because he wanted to make a difference. While he was completing his second tour of duty in Iraq on April 19, 2005, he was hit by an IED which left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. His parents immediately rushed to his side and his mother Debbie quit her job as a teacher so that she could stay by her son night and day.

Steven’s sacrifice was followed by his family’s strong commitment to each other and his parents’ own sacrifices of finances with the elimination of Debbie’s income and precious time with their other two children – one who was in high school and the other finishing the second semester of her first year of college.

After countless hours of rehabilitation, support and encouragement from family, the surrounding Friendswood community and the nation, Steven Schulz has overcome major obstacles. And although he has made remarkable progress in his recovery, he will continue to need the assistance of a wheelchair, the help of his family and a home design to accommodate his most basic needs.

On Monday, June 9, a ground breaking ceremony in the community of West Ranch in the city of Friendswood will honor Corporal Steven Schulz and celebrate the start of a new home and a new start for the Schulz family. Thanks to the Helping a Hero Wounded Hero Home Program, the Houston Rotary District 5890, Friendswood Development Company and Perry Homes, the construction of a beautiful new home to be built for this returning hero and his parents, will begin and will soon be the new home to the Schulz family.

Schulz’ mother Debbie taught at Friendswood High School, from which Steven, his brother Clay and sister Elaine all graduated. The family now lives in a two-story home that, although is loved by Debbie, is not at all designed or equipped to accommodate her son’s needs resulting from his injuries in Iraq.

“We have a two-story home and when Steven first came home, we had to turn our master bedroom into his area because it was downstairs and his bedroom was upstairs,” Debbie said. “And even then, he could not get his wheelchair through the door of the bathroom or go in there without help.”

Through a support group that Debbie says includes friends that extend throughout the country, the Veterans Administration and her church pastor, she heard of the Helping a Hero program. The acceptance of Steven’s application for a home in the program was a part of a strong community of support that Debbie said was overwhelming to her and her family. “When Steven was first injured, I spent a lot of time in Bethesda with him. At home, friends, neighbors and the community were a great support to our entire family.”

The strong support the Schulz family felt from its surrounding Friendswood community reinforced its commitment to stay there. Friendswood Development Company’s donation of the home site in its new master-planned West Ranch community, located in the city of Friendswood and the Friendswood Independent School District, and Perry Homes’ commitment to build a new home there made the program even more rewarding for the family who will soon have a new home that meets the needs of their son, while enabling them to stay in a City they love.

“We are honored to be a part of such an outstanding program and work with this outstanding family,” said John Hammond, President of Friendswood Development Company. “It’s heroes like Steven who ensure the freedom we enjoy and remind us all that freedom is not free, and comes with a high price.”

The new one-story home by Perry Homes will be designed to make every day tasks more accommodating for Steven, with features such as widened doorways and tile floors, making it easier to move around in a wheelchair; a large roll in shower, raised toilet and grab bars in the bathroom, and lowered kitchen countertops and appliances that will enable him to use the kitchen effectively.

Debbie Schulz says that as her son continues to recover and look forward to working with the Veterans Administration to find a part-time job, his brain injury has made complete independence impossible. “There are things that seem minor that pose great safety issues,” Debbie said. “As a result of Steven’s brain injury, his short term memory has been affected and he forgets things like turning off the water or stove – things that could be very dangerous,” she said, and adds that it is important for him in this and in many other capacities to have his family living around him.

The fact that the Helping a Hero program is building a home for a returning veteran and his parents is also heart warming to Debbie. “People realize that if a veteran is not married, he is relying on other family members for support,” she said.

Meredith Iler, National Chairman of the Helping a Hero Wounded Hero Home Program said, “I am so proud of Steven Schulz for his bravery in combat and his courage in the rehabilitation process. He is a leader and an encourager to other wounded heroes who have just begun their journey of recovery. We are honored to have this opportunity to build a home for this deserving American hero and say thank you in a tangible way for his valiant service to our great nation. And we are equally proud of his parents who have been there every step of the way to comfort him, change his bandages, encourage him to reach for new heights in his rehabilitation and who are willing to share this remarkable young man with all of us.”

The new home is planned for completion this September for the young man who was an honor graduate of the School of Infantry and who is recognized as a true hero, with a list of honors that include a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Marine Corp. Good Conduct Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.

For more information on the Helping a Hero Wounded Hero Home Program, visit the website at www.helpingahero.org.