Topeka Habitat for Humanity celebrates 35 years of support

(WIBW)
Published: Jan. 31, 2019 at 11:02 PM CST
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105 new homes - and counting!

That was just one milestone Topeka's Habitat for Humanity celebrated Thursday night.

The organization hosted its annual appreciation event for the community. It was held at The Foundry.

This year's party celebrated Habitat's 35 years of service to the Topeka area, while recognizing the people and organizations whose support made it possible.

In addition to the homes that were built, Habitat has also repaired 138 existing homes in Shawnee County over the years, helping thousands of people.

“It takes many hands to make our work possible each day,” said Janice Watkins, Executive Director of Topeka Habitat for Humanity. “We could not continue to increase our ability to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter without the numerous donors, community partners and volunteers. This is our way of thanking them and celebrating the families we serve.”

Habitat says it had 30 volunteers give more than 100 hours each during 2018. In all, more than 1100 volunteers gave more than 12,000 hours of service to Habitat, according to Nikki MacMillan, Director of Community Engagement.

2019 Topeka Habitat “Building Together” Honorees

Partner Family of Distinction: The Parker Family

Legacy Award: The Emery Fager Family and CoreFirst Bank & Trust

John Petterson Lifetime Service Award: Jerry Billinger

Distinguished Corporate Partner: Advisors Excel

Distinguished Community Partner Award: SER-Job for Progress National

Art in Action Award: ARTSConnect & Beth King

Donor of Distinction: Deborah Edwards

ReStore Partner of Excellence: Winston Brown Remodeling

Repair Partner of Excellence: Ace Plumbing

Youth in Action Award: Grant Genovese

Distinguished Board Service Awards: Jenny Barricklow, Ronald Ramberg, Jr., Ryan Vincent