Evansville (November 11, 2008) – Habitat for Humanity of Evansville honored the many volunteers who help build homes, work in the office and serve on committees and boards during its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner Nov. 11 at Crossroads Christian Church. These volunteers are vital to daily operations, and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville would not be able to serve the families of Vanderburgh and Posey counties without their support. More than 230 people attended the event.

The evening was marked with a skit performed by two volunteers, Bob Nicholson and Dale Welte, who demonstrated what a typical “conversation” on the job site sounded like. They traded verbal jabs and cracked lighthearted jokes about their fellow volunteers.

In addition to the regular Tuesday, Wednesday and Concrete Crews, Habitat also recognized its Board of Directors and the many volunteers who serve on committees, including the Interfaith Council, Development Council, Land Acquisition Committee, Construction Committee, Family Selection Committee, Public Relations Committee, Good Sports Build Committee, Partner Family Council, Glenwood Planning Team, Glenwood Pastors Team and the Pastor Advisory Council.

Two very special awards were given as well. The Dee McMillian Award goes to a person who best exemplifies the Christian values of this housing ministry through his or her work and lifestyle. This award went to Paul Gries, who has spent many hours rallying local sports enthusiasts and professional athletes from Evansville to join the Habitat cause. He was instrumental in creating the Good Sports Builds, which funded four homes in 2008. He also founded the Tri-State Hot Stove League, which gives local sports pros the opportunity to give back to their community.

The Jim Fowler Award goes to a construction volunteer who displays exceptional leadership, models the true spirit of Habitat and sets an outstanding example of volunteerism. This year’s recipient was Chris Huus, a Habitat volunteer for more than two years. He was described by his fellow volunteers as being “a wonderful teacher,” “very humble,” and “always helpful.”

Many more volunteers received awards, including the Young-Buck Award and the Sunshine Award. To see a list of all of these award recipients, click here. Click here to view pictures from the event.

About Habitat for Humanity of Evansville
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to build and sell simple, decent houses to hardworking families in Vanderburgh and Posey counties. We partner with individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations who share our vision to make adequate, affordable housing for all a matter of conscience and action.

To be eligible, families must have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. They must have a need for housing, be willing to contribute 300 hours in sweat equity and have the ability to pay their mortgage based on a 25-year, no-interest loan.

For more information, go to www.evansvillehabitat.org or call (812) 423-5623.