Looking Back on a Season of Sharing
NEWPORT BEACH, CA (December 2003)
Special to: Options Magazine
Submitted: December 12, 2003 |
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Christmas Past… The Inside Story In The Beginning…
The Building Industry Association's charitable arm, HomeAid Orange County, originally launched Season of Sharing in 2000 to celebrate the then new Fashion Island Santa House. Built by Newport Beach custom homebuilder and HomeAid Project Playhouse contributor, Dave Mulvaney of Mulvaney & Co., Inc., the Santa House assignment was – in part – a result of Mulvaney's exposure as a playhouse exhibit builder for HomeAid.
At that time, HomeAid and Mulvaney & Co. struck a deal with the world-renown resort destination center stipulating that a percentage of photo profits be directed to HomeAid's shelter development program. As part of the negotiations, Fashion Island generously agreed to contribute a designated shelter day when underprivileged children receive gifts and free photos to chronicle the time they spent sharing their dreams with a white haired guy in a soft, red suit. Thus, in the midst of holiday spirit and the HomeAid spirit of partnership, Season of Sharing was born!
A Little Back Story…
As happens with good ideas like this one, they often take on a life of their own. Such was the case earlier this December when a winter storm all but rained out HomeAid's Season of Sharing 2003. But, it takes more that a little precipitation to dampen a great concept. If the kids can't come to Santa then it was decided, Santa will go to the kids. So "Plan B" – the portable version – was put in place and Season of Sharing hit the road.
Armed with toys and gifts donated by the Mulvaney and Pierce families and others the HomeAid staff, et al headed out to visit Precious Life Shelter, Interval House, Mary's Shelter, Girls Hope and Boys Hope, Casa Teresa, Human Options, Laura's House, House of Hope, and Regina House where they played Santa to hundreds of kids who call these HomeAid Orange County shelters, home.
The End Result…
The bounty of toys and good will that came to call that December day was met with unbounded enthusiasm…some of these kids had never seen so many wonderful presents and many were moved to tears.
Children and their parents were deeply touched by the extra effort and outreach of the HomeAid contingent that special day when HomeAid and its supporters came to call. Here is a letter from one of the families whose lives – like those visited this Christmas – were made just a little brighter because someone cared.
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To HomeAid:
"On behalf of our family and myself I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your generosity this holiday season.
We would like to thank you for the absolutely wonderful Christmas pictures with Santa and the gifts for our children. Our kids really enjoyed the whole experience meeting Santa, thank you again.
Our family had a better Christmas this year than we have had in a long time thanks to special people, like yourselves, who are so thoughtful and giving.
Have a very Happy New Year!"
Sincerely,
The McClintock Family
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The McClintock clan represents just one of the families whose lives have changed as a direct result of the outpouring of HomeAid Orange County and its partners. As HomeAid looks to 2004, they continue to keep true to the mission of building and renovating shelters for those less fortunate, as they set out to change lives one shelter development at a time.
On the horizon…
To that end, the New Year will reveal six HomeAid projects in various stages of planning and construction. The San Miguel Residence for homeless families, with Builder Captains, Lennar Homes and Greystone Homes; Mary's Shelter for homeless pregnant teens, with Builder Captain, Shea Homes with KTGY Group, Inc.; Casa Teresa for homeless pregnant women, with Builder Captain, Fieldstone Communities; Fullerton Interfaith's New Vista Shelter for homeless families, with Builder Captain, Brookfield Homes; and Village of Hope for homeless families with Builder Captains Oltmans Construction and Lennar Communities.
Casa Teresa, San Miguel Residence and New Vista are all slated for completion in 2004, ringing in a total of 37 projects to HomeAid's credit since its launch by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in 1989. Those temporarily homeless served by HomeAid and its partners include women in crisis pregnancy; abused children; victims of domestic violence; homeless youth; and those families and individuals who find themselves homeless as a result of job loss or catastrophic illness. Though the holiday season is but a faded memory, it does exemplify the generosity of volunteers and companies who step up time and again to give of their resources and talent to help those less fortunate. To all of the men and women who have contributed to the growth and spirit of HomeAid Orange County and who give of themselves 24/7/365…please accept the heartfelt gratitude of the thousands who get a second chance just because you made a difference!
  
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