Saturday, 9/13/08, was a day of joy and celebration as over 200 community members gathered with four new Habitat for Humanity families at 1214-1218 Sherman Way in Monrovia for the Groundbreaking Ceremony. This event marks the beginning of construction for four more affordable homes that will be built with and for the deserving families.

Council Member Mary Ann Lutz, an instrumental leader for City of Monrovia’s participation, enthusiastically greeted the crowd and praised all Monrovia residents for getting involved in making the build a success.  “Monrovia can do this!” she exclaimed.  SGV Habitat for Humanity’s Board President Tom Doud praised the City’s commitment for land for the build and lauded the personal financial commitments that have been made by all of his fellow Board members.

Hearts were touched as the four new home buyer families were introduced by SGV Habitat’s Family Selection Committee.  Each family expressed thanks for the blessing of homeownership.  A refrain of giving back to the community in response to this incredible opportunity came from each of the families.

Tony Haynes, Construction Manager, and Vicky Barbieri, Architect, expressed their privilege of serving the needs of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the joy of working with the families who will soon be homeowners.

Rev. Greg Douglass of Monrovia United Methodist Church gave the Invocation and Father Charles Ramirez of Immaculate Conception Church in Monrovia gave the Benediction.  These and many other church congregations are committed to raising funds and organizing groups of construction volunteers to support this new Habitat for Humanity build.

Mayflower Elementary School has also been very involved in raising funds for this build. Madalyn Crooks, 5th grade student, led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity must raise a total of $533,000 in cash to build the four houses on Sherman Avenue.  The fundraising target of $350,000 to break ground has been reached, but $183,000 more must be raised to complete these homes. Please donate now and sign up to volunteer.

Golden shovels and supporters ready to lend a hand as volunteers for construction marked the groundbreaking festivities.