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It’s not just about building houses

Carolyn Pope
David and Davett Negrete.
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BEAVER CREEK – Being the recipient of a Habitat for Humanity house is not a handout – it’s an opportunity, a fresh start, a new beginning.

Each new homeowner has proven to an advisory board that they have what it takes to take on the responsibility associated with owning their own home, including many hours of “sweat equity” building their new home. A couple of weekends ago, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties hosted their annual Carpenter’s Ball at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek. The theme this year was “Partners in Progress.””It’s a wonderful program to get into an affordable house that they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to,” said Rolly Rounds, head of the nonprofit organization’s construction committee. “It also brings the community together.”

Right now, the organization is heading into the summer months with a duplex in the Bluffs in Eagle, and potentially more. Community Concepts, under the leadership of Rick Hermes and David Huffman, is committed to building an entire house, too.Habitat for Humanity is an organization that certainly tugs on the heartstrings. Peach Duty, senior catering and convention manager at the Park Hyatt, called the day after the ball to tell me that the staff who was manning the coat check that evening donated all of their tips to Habitat.



“Most of my staff isn’t from the United States. They hadn’t even heard of Habitat before that night,” she said. “I thought it was really special what they did.”After dinner, the ball guests had the chance to bid on several silent auction items including a luxury condo in Cabo, a Phoenix golfing vacation, and a brand new media room package from Paragon Technology Group. One woman stepped forward and said that if anyone had a place to board her horse for the year, she would not only pay the rent but also donate $10,000.”Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build simple, decent homes for families in need,” said Barbara Duncan, vice president of the board of directors. “The need for good, affordable housing cuts across all cultures in our valley, and Habitat helps people help themselves by empowering families to build and pay for their home, as well as providing opportunities for people of all races and economic groups by working together towards a common goal.”

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle County was founded in 1995 and has built 12 homes in Eagle and Lake Counties, housing over 40 children and their families.”This was a tremendous success,” said Mack Nichols. “Habitat for Humanity is on a roll!”For more information on Habitat for Humanity locally, call 748-6718.

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One gentleman commented on Habitat for Humanity’s women’s projects, where just women build a home: “Well, at least the plumber’s cracks will be more attractive!”

April 8, the International Skiing History Association, along with the Colorado Ski Museum and Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, are honoring Rod Slifer for his lifelong commitment to skiing and to Vail, as well as recognizing ski areas Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Mountain, Howelsen Hill, Loveland Winter Park and Ski Cooper. The event will be held at the Lodge at Vail, and tickets are $100 per person. The event is part of the ski history association’s 15th annual Ski Heritage Week. Call the Ski Museum for more information at 476-1876.Vail Daily, Vail, Colorado


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