Shelter Events Manual
Example C Sample Groundbreaking Script
BOB MORRIS – MORRIS – calls calls everyone to attention, introduces himself, h imself, gives a brief greeting, recognizes any public officials present and introduces Debo ra Kerstein. DEBORA KERSTEIN (President, HBA of Greater Dallas)
Thank you, Bob. Good morning. On behalf of the Homebuilders Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas and HomeAid Dallas I am pleased to welcome you to the groundbreaking of Dallas’ first Homeaid project – project – a a 28-bed shelter called Brighter Tomorrows. The Homebuilders Association has a long history of community involvement in the greater Dallas area, and it is our honor to now be involved through our new Homeaid chapter, in helping to meet the needs of those who are temporarily homeless, working to regain lives o f selfsufficiency. A special thanks to Beazer Homes Dallas D allas who is taking the lead as Builder Captain on this project and to their many trade partners and to the HBA members who will be contributing to the completion of this wonderful effort. BOB MORRIS, (Executive Office, HBA of Dallas)
Thank you Debora. As Debora mentioned the HBA of Greater Dallas has a history history of community involvement – involvement – primarily primarily through our Homebuilders Care Foundation. About a year th ago the HBA became the 10 chapter of Homeaid America, a building industry indu stry charity that builds and renovates shelters for temporarily homeless men, women and children. We are very pleased to be working with the city of Dallas and the Brighter Tomorrows organization to help provide shelter and hope for victims for women and children in desperate need. I also want to say that while Beazer Beaze r Homes and their trade partners will be leading the charge on this project, we would welcome the assistance of anyone who has labor or materials to contribute. HomeAid shelter projects around the country typically donate 60% of the cost of the construction, sometimes 100%. You can contact our HomeAid Dallas Executive Director, Cathy Quaid at the HBA office using the number on the brochure you received today (point out Cathy and in tr oduce her).
Now I’d like to introduce the Mayor of Dallas. Mayor Brown and the City of Dallas have been strong supporters of Brighter Tomorrows and it is our privilege to join the city in a public private-non-profit partnership to see this project become a reality. MAYOR BROWN:
Thank you, Bob. What a wonderful day this is. First of all all I want to say thank you to the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas, HomeAid Dallas and Beazer Homes for their commitment to build this project for Brighter Tomorrows.
Sample Groundbreaking Script
MAYOR (Continued):
As Bob mentioned the city is strongly committed to the service Brighter Tomorrows provides for victims of domestic violence. This is a vital and often overlooked need in our communities and it is truly visionary for the building community to respond in such a magnanimous manner. I urge all of you to consider supporting Brighter Tomorrows in their wonderful program to help redeem shattered lives and to join in this outstanding effort to make a tangible difference on behalf of those less fortunate. HomeAid projects are not only beautifully built, but they provide a safe, dignified environment for people ready to change their lives.
Bob thanks the mayor and introduces Mike Henry
Thank you Mayor Brown Now I’d like to introduce the President of HomeAid Dallas and the President of Beazer Homes Dallas, which will be the builder captain for this project. It’s leadership that makes the difference. Please join me in welcoming Mike Henry.
MIKE HENRY (HA Dallas President, Beazer Homes, President)
Thanks, Bob. Beazer Homes is delighted to be the first Builder Captain for a HomeAid Dallas project and particularly delighted to be building for such a worthy program as Brighter Tomorrows. Like so many efforts similar to this project it takes a team. I want to thank my staff who are putting their hearts into this project, to our trade partners, many of whom have already stepped up to donate labor, materials and consulting services, to the HBA for establishing the HomeAid Dallas program, to the city for its essential support and cooperation and finally to Brighter Tomorrows, who is providing hope and practical assistance to hundreds of women and ch ildren who need a fresh start in life. Bob thanks Mike and introduces Radonna Hessell, President, Board of Directors of Brighter Tomorrows.
Thank you, Mike. Now I’d like to introduce the President of the Brighter Tomorrows’ Board of Directors. It is because of Brighter Tomorrows and their great work that we are here today. Please join me in welcoming Radonna Hessell. RODONNA HESSELL (President, Board of Directors, Brighter Tomorrows)
Thank you, Bob. Good morning to you all. This is truly a remakable day for Brighter Tomorrows – the beginning of a dream come true. We still are pinching ourselves to make sure this isn’t just a dream. Brighter Tomorrows is dedicated to assisting victims of domestic and sexual abuse, p roviding the life skills, counseling and job skills necessary for a healthy and complete transition from trauma and homelessness to stability and self-sufficiency.
Sample Groundbreaking Script
We are truly honored and deeply grateful to the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas and to its HomeAid Dallas program for choosing us as their first project. It’s simply impossible to express how much this will mean to so many who need our help. I also want to thank Mayor Brown and the city of Dallas for their ongoing and essential support. I’d like to introduce our Executive Director, _____________ (point her out & lead applause) and also ask that the Brighter Tomorrows Board Members and staff please raise their hands (lead applause for them) these are the dedicated souls who make all the difference in our program. I look forward to seeing you at the dedication. Thank you. Bob returns to podium and introduce Mike Lennon of Homeaid America.
Thank you Radonna. Now I’d like to introduce the President of Homeaid America, Michael Lennon, who first shared the Homeaid vision with us about two years ago. Let’s welcome Mike. MIKE LENNON (CEO, HomeAid America)
It is an honor to be with you today. HomeAid’s mission is to build and renovate shelters for temporarily homeless men, women and children. On any given night over 1 million men, women and children find themselves without a home. In fact, women and children represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. It’s so important to ensure safety and proactive programs in every community. We typically build a shelter for forty cents on the dollar, because of the leadership of the generosity and leadership of the builder captain an d their trade partners. th
This is the 67 shelter project to break ground nationwide. Congratulations To Debora Kerstein and the HBA of Greater Dallas To the HomeAid Dallas team To Beazer Homes – which is also involved in 4 other locations nationwide. To the subcontractors, suppliers and consultants who are fuel to complete every homeaid project, To Mayor Brown and the city of Dallas for their public partnership in this project, And especially to Brighter Tomorrows for their tireless dedication to bringing victims to victory in life.
Thank you. Bob returns to podium and gives direction for the groundbreaking ceremony and encourages people to stay for refreshments immediately following. BOB MORRIS, (Executive Office, HBA of Dallas)
Thanks, Mike. Now folks if you would stand right over here while we break ground for New Beginnings. I’d like all of our speakers to please step right over here. Immediately following, there will be refreshments under the canopy just over here and we encourage you to stay around and visit.
