Winter Park - Maitland Florida

Build on a Solid Foundation: 48 and counting

WINTER PARK, Fla. - In October 2012, we broke ground on our 48th home at 754 W. Comstock Avenue.  Chairman Thaddeus Seymour spoke of World Habitat Day: "We are celebrating the 500,000th Habitat house being built in Kenya right now.  Of course, we never really know exactly which house is which, but I can say with confidence that this is Habitat's 500,001st house."

President Hal George recognized volunteers, board members, and home sponsors: Trinity Preparatory School (their 13th sponsorship), Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (RHGI), Schneider Electric and The Stanchina Family Foundation.  When Jared Bloom of Schneider Electric, our newest sponsoring partner, was introduced, he responded, "We hope to work with Habitat for many more years." Trinity Headmaster Craig Maughan and RHGI President Mike O'Donnell also spoke.  

"One of the reasons we do what we do is the life-changing moments, and this is one of them." With those simple words, Hal introduced new homeowner Jennifer and her daughter.  "We're excited to make it to this point," said Jennifer before tears got the best of her.  Capturing the crisp, sun-drenched morning's spirit in his benediction, Rev. Kenneth Vinal of Trinity Prep said, "This is a house built on a solid foundation of love and service."  

The completion of this project in June of 2012 was a bittersweet occasion for us at Habitat Winter Park-Maitland. The shared joy of a new beginning was tempered by the absence of our friend and advocate, Warren Stanchina, who passed away on September 9th just before the groundbreaking. President Hal George acknowledged Warren and his philanthropic organization, The Stanchina Family Foundation, his wife Jo, and sons Adam, a member of the Habitat Board, and Matt.  After requesting a moment of silence, Hal said, "We're dedicating this house to Warren Stanchina's memory.  We will all remember Warren, a supporter of ours for many years, his spirit and generosity every time we come to work here and when we see the many beautiful homes he inspired and helped construct."