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Posted on Jul 23, 2010 | Tagged in: community , charity
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.
Posted on May 13, 2010 | Tagged in: community , charity
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).
Posted on Mar 1, 2010 | Tagged in: healthcare , charity
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.
Posted on Feb 20, 2010 | Tagged in: GHBA , charity
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.
Posted on Feb 18, 2010 | Tagged in: City of Friendswood , charity
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.
Posted on Oct 20, 2009 | Tagged in: charity
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.
Posted on Oct 6, 2009 | Tagged in: Houston , honors , charity
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.
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
Posted on May 6, 2009 | Tagged in: Graystone Hills , events , charity
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.
Posted on Jan 1, 2009 | Tagged in: Walnut Creek , Lakemont , education , charity
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.”
