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  • Raise the Roof Holds Annual Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause

  • Published Nov. 27, 2018 Click here for story and photos.

  • Raise the Roof Takes It to the Dance Floor Again

  • Published Oct 04, 2018 Click here for story and photos.

    Raise the Roof, the Shoreline Habitat for Humanity connection, has a reputation for taking it to the dance floor to get the building and the party started, and this year it’s throwing its fourth annual Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause. Raise the Roof defines “stars” as community leaders passionate about making the world a better place, and this year’s stars fit the definition perfectly. They have accepted the invitation to step onto the dance floor to help provide families with the opportunity to build and own safe, affordable homes. Their dance lessons have begun, and they are already competing with the event’s special fundraising twist. They are dancing to build a Habitat for humanity house. Learn more about the stars and their reasons for dancing at www.raisetheroofct.org.

    Introducing Raise the Roof’s 2018 stars:

    • Hannah Lewis and Dylan Richmond

    • Pem McNerney and David Bell

    • Emily and Rob Nolfo

    • Lisa Rollins and Jeffrey Johnson

    • Tammy and Chris Stemen

    • Kim and Todd Steward

    • Gini Vancil and Arthur Wilkins

    • Sarah and Todd Vetter

    • Malenky Welsh and Schuyler Beeman

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines during 10 private lessons provided by Arthur Murray Guilford, Raise the Roof’s event partner. The dancing stars will perform on Friday, Nov. 9 at the Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dance couple that receives the most votes will take home the grand-prize Shoreline Stars trophy. Online voting has begun and will stay open through the Nov. 9 gala performances. Donate to vote and support the stars at www.raisetheroofct.org.

    A group of celebrity judges will present awards for the best performances the night of the event. Scot Haney of WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News will add to the fun as the emcee. Don Epperson, Sr., past Raise the Roof board president and longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer, is the honorary event chair. Gala guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a three-course plated dinner, and time to strut their own stuff to some great music. Tickets can be purchased at www.raisetheroofct.org.

  • 19th century New Haven Home to be Rebuilt by

  • Shoreline’s Raise the Roof

  • Published March 10, 2018 Click here for story and photos.

    The Sanchez family was overwhelmed as they stood in front of their future home on a recent cold morning, surrounded by new friends who will help to restore the 1830 historic house to its original glory.

    “I feel great,” Edwin Sanchez said. “I can’t wait until the house gets done. I’m so happy, I don’t know what to say.”

    A Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven build with sponsorship and volunteers from Raise the Roof, the Shoreline Habitat connection, the once abandoned house at 387 Lenox St., New Haven, will be restored with guidance from the state Historic Preservation Office, New Haven Preservation Trust and Connecticut Preservation Trust.

    Over the last 14 years, Madison-based Raise the Roof has raised more than $700,000 and worked alongside Habitat families to build 13 other new homes in New Haven.

    While precision and accuracy are hallmarks of historic preservation, there will be one addition to this house that will make it extra special, an addition that requires Sharpie markers, rather than hammers and nails. Messages of hope and encouragement have been written on sheetrock that will become a permanent part of the interior. These messages will be forever encased in the home’s walls.

    “We hope that you’ll remember that they are built into the heart of your home,” Donna Gregory, president of Raise the Roof, told the Sanchez family.

    “We hope that you’ll know that they hold heartfelt wishes and messages from so many of us, to you,” said the Madison resident.

    Originally built as the home of Merrit Brown, an oyster fishing captain, the vernacular Greek Revival-style house is located in the Quinnipiac River Historic District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The budgeted amount for the project is $200,000 to cover materials that are not donated and licensed contractor work, including plumbers and electricians. The bulk of the work will be done by volunteers.

    “We have a vast supply of volunteers, but they have different skill levels,” said William Casey, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. “We’re trying to show that you can do preservation and make it affordable at the same time,” he added.

    Families are considered based on need, ability to repay their no-interest mortgage and willingness to become partners in the program. In addition, first time homeowners, Edwin Sanchez, along with his wife, Ada Irizarry and their son, Edwin, have committed to working 400 hours on the home.

    “Raise the Roof is empowered to partner with Edwin and Ada on their journey to rebuild, restore, own and call this historic property their home,” said Gregory.

    The house has been completely gutted and the siding removed after lead and asbestos abatement.

    “We’ve got it down to the point now, where it’s safe and we’re ready to go,” said Casey. “We’re going to start building this thing from the ground up. We’re going to restore it to basically what it used to look like when it was originally built,” he added. “It will be ablong process, really extensive rehab.”

    Madison architect Duo Dickinson, a volunteer on the project noted that, “In the retail world, this would be esily a $300,000 renovation. Everything in the home, all the surfaces inside and out, all the mechanicals will be brand new, as the existing ones, he added, “they’re gone, they’re all shot.”

    Construction Manager Antoine Claiborne is excited about the project.
    “We’ve got a lot of work to do here, as everyone keeps saying,” he said, with a chuckle. “But, it should be a good home once we’re done with it.”

    Dickinson talked about the positive work being done by Habitat.

    “It creates homes for people that would just not be able to own homes, ever,” he said.
    In addition, Dickinson added, “This community has been on the edge of survival for 40 years, actually saving itself and keeping itself viable.
    Habitat kind of parachutes into these specific places, so that’s a good and then there’s the other good of saving a building that would simply be gone, would simply be gone unless somebody could risk doing it without the ability to have to justify it to a bank,” he said.

    It was at the urging of the city of New Haven that Habitat considered purchasing this particular piece of property.

    “No one wanted to touch it,” said Casey. “Like Duo was saying, it’s so expensive to rehab this house, in this condition, that most people can’t make it work whether it’s your own home or you’re doing it on speculation to sell.”

    After looking at the house, Casey said, Habitat determined the location and condition of the Merritt Brown house made it a perfect project.

    “We take the one bad house in an otherwise good block and this is perfect,” he said. “This is a great block. This one house was a nightmare for everybody. The whole neighborhood and the city was up in arms about it. They couldn’t do anything about it. The bank owned it. It wasn’t maintained.”

    Rose Bonito, who has lived across the street for the last 44 years, is very excited about the restoration.

    “It looks great, the best it has in 12 ½ years,” she said. “We’re excited. This is a historic home. It joins the rest of the neighbors with being revitalized and having more life to it, again, and having a family come in, which is great.”

    Volunteers who are interested in helping with this project can contact Raise the Roof atcontactus@raisetheroofct.org.

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  • Raise the Roof Rebuilding, Restoring, and Transforming

  • Published February 1, 2018 Click here for story and photos.

    Raise the Roof, the Shoreline Habitat connection, is breaking ground on a new Habitat build project at 387 Lenox Street in New Haven, this time rebuilding, restoring, and preserving an historic structure that will be the future home of a Habitat partner family.

    The structure at 387 Lenox Street was built in the 1830s as the home of Merritt Brown, an oyster fishinfg captain. The home is part of an important historic district overlooking the Quinnipiac River and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The property has long stood vacant, and though blighted now, with the effort and care of many Raise the Roof and Habitat volunteers who will work alongside the partner family of Edwin Sanchez and Ada Irizarry, the house will be restored and transformed to hold a family and its place in the neighborhood. This project will be Raise the Roof’s 14th Habitat build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven. Many donated and danced to raise the funds to sponsor this build. Raise the Roof’s signature fundraising event is its annual Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause.

    A groundbreaking ceremony at 387 Lenox Street, New Haven, has been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. This will be a special occasion that celebrates the groundbreaking and the start of a family’s journey to own a home.

    Raise the Roof will begin to register groups that would like to reserve a day to build at 387 Lenox Street. Groups of up to 10 individuals can be accommodated on a build day. Many groups sign up for Saturdays, but weekdays can be arranged, and there is availability during the week for individuals to register to build. Everyone is welcome to gather his or her church or civic group, neighbors, friends, a school group, business colleagues, and others for a workday on this Habitat build. The volunteer groups will work alongside the partner family who will own the home. For more information, email Raise the Roof at contactus@raisetheroofct.org. Raise the Roof works within the umbrella of Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven.

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  • Shoreline Stars Take to the Dance Floor

  • Published September 13, 2017 Click here for story and photos.

    Once again, Shoreline stars will take to the dance floor for Raise the Roof’s third annual and signature event, Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause. Raise the Roof defines “stars” as community leaders passionate about making the world a better place. This group fits that definition exactly and has accepted the invitation to step onto the dance floor to provide a family with the opportunity to own a safe, affordable home. Their dance lessons have begun, and they are already competing with this event’s special fundraising twist. They are dancing to build a Habitat house. Learn more about them and their reasons for dancing at www.raisetheroofct.org.

    Raise the Roof’s 2017 stars are:

    • Emily Connelly and Steven Kao

    • Ginger and Milton Brasher-Cunningham

    • Jil Grey and Peter Mohrer

    • Andrea Kaye and Matt Meskill

    • Cathy and Steve Lynch

    • Kippie and Gregory Martin

    • Brenda and Gary Naegel

    • Danielle and Tom Pettit

    • Helen and Marco Rizzo

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines during their 10 private lessons provided by Arthur Murray Guilford, Raise the Roof’s Event Partner. The dancing stars will perform on Friday, Nov. 10 at the Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dance couple that receives the most votes will win the grand-prize Shoreline Stars trophy. Online voting has begun and will stay open through the Nov. 10 gala performances. To donate to vote and support these stars, visit www.raisetheroofct.org.

    A group of celebrity judges will also present awards for the best performances the night of the event. In addition to the dance performances, gala guests may enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a three-course plated dinner, and time for their own dancing. To purchase tickets, visit www.raisetheroofct.org and have the honor of seeing and applauding the dancers as they step onto the dance floor to build a home for a deserving family.

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  • Swing a Hammer, Sell a Stove, or Sweep the Dance Floor

  • By Michelle Anjirbag, Staff Writer • Contact Reporter Shore Publishing
    Published April 06, 2017. Click here for story and photos.

    What does it take to build a home? This is a question that most don’t think about, but every year, hundreds of volunteers across the Connecticut shoreline donate their time, effort, and funds to help build affordable housing for those in need.

    Volunteers not only get to help someone they’ll actually get a chance to know, they’ll have a chance to pick up skills along the way, from installing doors and windows to simply learning the right way to hammer in a nail or two.

    “There is something to be said about painting a room alongside the family that will be moving into a home, or working a fundraiser and hearing the testimonial of a family whose life has been changed because they were given the opportunity to not only hope for a better future, but build one,” said Sarah Bird, executive director of Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of Connecticut, an organization that links volunteers of all abilities with homeowners who need help.

    “I think most people know what Habitat does, but not how we do it. Our homeowners pay back a zero-interest mortgage that is affordable to them. Habitat doesn’t give away houses,” Bird said. “Volunteers gain a better perspective or our work, and why there is a need for affordable housing in all communities, towns, and cities.”

    Middlesex Habitat for Humanity has built 15 houses in its 20 years of incorporation, according to Bird. While two were “houses in a box” sent to Alabama after Hurricane Katrina, the rest were built in Middletown, Middlefield, East Hampton, and Portland, with ongoing and future projects lined up in Middletown, Portland, Westbrook, and East Haddam.

    Who Can Help?

    Bird also stressed “you don’t have to pick up a hammer to build a Habitat home.” In addition to fundraising and working on different committees, people can also volunteer time at the Habitat ReStore.

    “The ReStore is like Pier One, Home Depot, and Goodwill combined,” said Bird. “It’s 13,000 square feet of used and new furniture, building supplies, wood, doors and windows, and appliances. It is open to the public and mainly staffed by volunteers.”

    For those who do wish to participate in a build, organizations such as Sleeping Giant Build centered along the Quinnipiac River and Madison-based Raise the Roof provide opportunities to sign up to volunteer on-site. Both organizations are community auxiliaries of Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven.

    ‘Seeing Everyone Come Together’

    Arnie Cary, co-chair of Sleeping Giant Build, values the opportunity to both learn new skills and put in an honest day’s work in the service of a good cause with a team. He’s been involved with Habitat for Humanity for more than 10 years.

    “You learn something different about people when you’re working together,” said Cary. “The biggest eye-opening thing is always working with the owner and you learn their story. A lot of us take homeownership for granted, but it is a really big deal. It can make such a difference to a family to have a safe, well-constructed, affordable home.”

    Don Epperson, former board member and past president of Raise the Roof (formally Madison Cares) got involved with the organization when looking for something meaningful to do after retiring.

    “The return is getting to know the families,” said Epperson, "but it starts with participating in a build, seeing everyone come together.

    Epperson also noted that there are two things that Raise the Roof plans annually to create off-site opportunities to get involved: the Build on the Green and the Gala of Stars. During the Build on the Green, there are family activities in which volunteers under 16 can be involved, and the community comes together to build exterior walls that are then kept in storage until needed for the next project. The 2017 Build on the Green is scheduled for Saturday, May 13 on the Branford Green.

    Joan and Fillmore McPherson danced at the Gala of Stars 2016, which raised more than the $60,000 needed to fund Raise the Roof’s next project commitment.

    “Volunteerism is a bedrock of the shoreline,” said Fillmore. “It’s a charity that is still local. You can look at it and know it’s doing good things and see the people helped, and know it’s not just throwing money at the problem.”

    “It was a lot of work—we’re not dancers,” said Joan. “It was a lot of fun to get dressed up, and it was a very positive experience to see everyone be willing to give. It brings people together in improving the lives of others.”

    With many ways, both on site and off, to be part of a community that focuses on giving to others, those who are interested in participating can reach out to community partners Raise the Roof and Sleeping Giant Build through www.raisetheroofct.org and www.sleepinggiantbuild.org, or contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven or Middlesex through www.habitatgnh.org and www.habitatmiddlesex.org.

    Build on the Green 2017

    Raise the Roof holds it 2017 Build on the Green 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 on the Branford Green. For more information, email contactus@raisetheroofct.org or visit www.raisetheroofct.org.

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  • Save the Date: Build on the Green Saturday, May 13

  • (Published March 23, 2017) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    Raise the Roof has scheduled its Build on the Green 2017 on the Branford Green on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Volunteers will come together to build exterior walls for use in a future Habitat for Humanity house.

    Participants are asked to register in advance for one of four 90-minute build shifts. Visit www.raisetheroofct.org to find out how to register.

    Volunteers are sought to help with set up and clean up. Build volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and sign a waiver. Volunteers younger than 18 must have the waiver co-signed by a parent. Those who would like to help but prefer not to build will be able to participate in other volunteer opportunities for that day. Email Raise the Roof at contactus@raisetheroofct.org with hours of availability.

    People are also invited to come to the Branford Green on May 13 to write their wishes and blessings or add artwork on one of the Message Walls, which will be built into the next Raise the Roof Habitat house, tucked into the heart of the home.

    Guilford Savings Bank is Raise the Roof’s Event Sponsor for Build on the Green 2017. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

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  • Judges Announced for Gala of Stars Dance Contest

  • (Published October 27, 2016) Click here for story and photos.

    The judges for Raise the Roof’s upcoming Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause event have been announced. They are Janet Peckinpaugh, Angela Clemmons, and Peter Konow. Deb and Russell Heinrich, the 2015 winners of the Judge’s Award for Best Dance Performance, will return for a command performance.

    The participants are community leaders passionate about making the world a better place by providing opportunities for families to own safe, affordable homes.

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines suited to their personal styles during ten private lessons provided by Arthur Murray of Guilford, Raise the Roof’s Event Partner. The dancing stars will perform on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Raise the Roof’s Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity home in New Haven. The dancing couple that receives the most votes will be named the winner and will receive the grand-prize Shoreline Stars trophy. To vote, and donate, visit www.classy.org/branford/events/2016-gala-stars-dancing-for-cause/e90310.

    Janet Peckinpaugh served for three decades as a television journalist. Currently, she is a realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

    Angela Clemmons was among the stars who danced for Raise the Roof’s cause in the inaugural 2015 Gala of Stars. She and her dance partner, Peter O’Donnell, were runners-up for the title of 2015 Shoreline Stars, earning about $10,000. They also captured second place for the best dance performance of the night. This year, Clemmons is trading in her dancing shoes for scoring paddles.

    “I will forever cherish the experience of being a dancer at the first Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause. I didn’t say yes to it immediately because the mere idea of doing a ballroom dance routine in front of a live audience was almost paralyzing. But when it came down to it, I had to answer the question, ‘How much do you really care?’ The next thing I knew, I was shopping for my West Coast Swing dance shoes and doing all I could, along with my dance partner, Peter O’Donnell, to inspire everyone we knew to head to our donation page and help us build this house,” she says. “It took the combined efforts of so many compassionate, diligent, generous, hard working people to achieve this one goal. That, in itself, was inspiring on many levels. But nothing comes close to the deep sense of satisfaction and joy I felt when I walked into the home we were building and read the message on the wall that 7-year-old Eliana wrote: ‘This is my house.’”

    Peter Konow, director of Arthur Murray Guilford, is a returning celebrity judge.

    Gala of Stars Dancing for the Cause will take place Saturday, Oct. 28, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The WoodWinds, 29 Schoolground Road, Branford.

    These stars dancing to build a Raise the Roof/Habitat for Humanity house in New Haven include:

    • Carly Callahan and

    John Johmann

    • Rachael McNerney and

    Alistair Sweeney

    • Joan and Fillmore

    McPherson

    • Victoria Font Newman and

    Paul Kuehn

    • Julie Ovian and Sean Fowler

    • Jennifer Russo and

    Tom Murphy

    • Maria and Chris Small

    • Kimberly and Jason Spanier

    • Bernadette Welsh and

    Philip Ross

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  • Stars Announced for Raise the Roof’s 2016 Gala of Stars

  • (Published September 15, 2016) Click here for story and photos.

    Stars of the stage, a former town official, an artist, a photojournalist and business and community leaders are stepping onto the dance floor for Raise the Roof’s second annual Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause. The stars are community leaders passionate about making the world a better place by providing opportunities for families to own safe, affordable homes. Ballroom dance lessons have begun, choreography is unfolding, and these stars are competing with a special fundraising twist.

    The 2016 stars include:

    Carly Callahan and John Johmann

    Rachael McNerney and

    Alistair Sweeney

    Joan and Fillmore McPherson

    Vicki Newman and Paul Kuehn

    Julie Ovian and Sean Fowler

    Jennifer Russo and Tom Murphy

    Maria and Chris Small

    Kim and Jason Spanier

    Bernadette Welsh and Philip Ross

    Raise the Roof’s 2016 stars have been invited because of their leadership, heart, and commitment. Read the dancers’ bios and reasons for dancing for this cause at www.raisetheroofct.org.

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines during ten private lessons provided by Arthur Murray in Guilford, Raise the Roof’s event partner. The dancing stars will perform on Friday, Oct. 28 at Raise the Roof’s Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars=votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dancing couple that receives the most votes will win the grand-prize Shoreline Stars trophy. Online voting has begun and will stay open through the Oct. 28 gala performances. Donations/votes can be cast at www.raisetheroofct.org.

    A group of celebrity judges will also present awards for the best performances of the night. In addition to the dance performances, gala guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a three-course plated dinner, and time for their own dancing.

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  • Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause Returns for Second Year

  • Article written by Zoe Roos, Staff Writer • Contact Reporter Shore Publishing
    Published September 14, 2016) Click here for story and photos.

    Local celebrities will once again be hitting the dance floor for a good cause. Raise the Roof, the shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity, is bringing back their Gala of Stars: Dancing for a Cause fundraiser for the second year and local stars will soon be dancing for votes and charity dollars.

    The event began in 2015 as a new twist in Raise the Roof’s annual fundraising. Stars from across the shoreline danced for votes (expressed through charity dollars) to build a Habitat House in New Haven. Treasure of Raise the Roof Donna Gregory said last year’s event raised $60,000 and she is excited to see it back again.

    “A wonderful time was had by everyone, including the dancing stars, the organizers, gala attendees, and the public that watched, cheered, and voted from afar via press, the Internet, and social media,” she said. “Raise the Roof is committed to more fun and goodness again this year.”

    This year’s event will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at The WoodWinds of Branford and dancers are already busy learning the steps to their routines though 10 private lessons from Arthur Murray Guilford, Raise the Roof’s event partner.

    The 2016 dancing starts were announced at a kick-off reception on Aug. 27. The competitors are Carly Callahan and John Johmann, Rachael McNerney and Alistair Sweeney, Joan and Fillmore McPherson, Victoria Font Newman and Paul Kuehn, Julie Ovian and Sean Fowler, Jennifer Russo and Tom Murphy, Maria and Chris Small, Kim and Jason Spanier, and Bernadette Welsh and Philip Ross.

    Former Madison first selectman Fillmore McPherson said he and his wife, Joan, are excited to partake in this year’s event.

    “We are definitely enjoying the practice,” he said. “We are going to be doing the Argentine tango, which we have never done before, so we have had to start from scratch. It’s not like one of the waltzes that you have done off and on for years, so it is a new challenge. We do enjoy the dancing and it was a great event last year and it is for a very worthy cause, so we are going to give it our best shot.”

    Voting for stars is currently open online at raisetheroofct.org. Each dollar donated counts as a vote; that money will then go toward this year’s Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity Home. Gregory said the stars with the most votes will take home the grand prize.

    “The dancing couple that receives the most votes will win the grand-prize Shoreline Stars trophy,” she said.

    All of the dancing and donations will eventually lead up to this year’s build event for the habitat home.

    “For the past two years in the spring, Raise the Roof has held their Build on the Green event in Guilford where volunteers have built exterior walls to be used in future Habitat houses,” she said. “Guilford residents probably noticed the construction happening or heard the pounding of hammers. These Build on the Green events, which have also been held on the Madison Green, give Raise the Roof the opportunity to bring a piece of the Habitat building experience to shoreline venues.”

    Details for the 2017 build have not yet been announced. For more information on Raise the Roof or the 2016 Gala of Stars, visit raisetheroofct.org.

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  • A Place to Call Home

  • Read here for the story behind our twelfth build. (Article written by Pem McNerney, Living Editor • Contact Reporter, Shore Publishing Published May 04, 2016)

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  • Build on the Green Returns to Guilford

  • (Published March 22, 2016) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    To build a house, you need wood, nails, and contractors, but to build a home, you need a community. Raise the Roof, a shoreline Habitat for Humanity connection dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing through community participation, is getting ready to build its 13th house, and organizers are asking for Guilford residents to help make it a home.

    On Saturday, May 21 on the Guilford Green, Raise the Roof will host Build on the Green, a project where sections of a new home will be constructed by volunteers right in the center of town. Raise the Roof board member and event co-chair Timothy Carney said the build is a great opportunity to be a part of an inspiring project.

    “We recently held the groundbreaking for the house, and are now welcoming volunteers to help us complete the build,” he said. “The rough walls we build in Guilford will be used in building this house.”

    The new house will be located at 2 Strong Street in New Haven and a family has already been selected for the new build. Carney said 12 rough walls will be built on the Green and they are looking for plenty of volunteers.

    “The volunteers will be asked to lift and position two-by-four beams into pre-set configurations and to nail the pieces together in the form of trusses and walls,” he said. “The spirit of the day is teamwork, and the aim is to have fun while doing something worthwhile for the community.”

    Raise the Roof is looking for a total of 72 volunteers—60 to construct the walls in four, 90 minute shifts, and 12 volunteers to set-up and clean-up.

    “No special skills are required to volunteer either at the Build on the Green or at the job site itself,” Carney said. “Skilled supervision will guide the volunteers in their efforts, and no one will be asked or expected to perform tasks beyond their abilities. Safety is our first priority.”

    Carney said while most of the day will be about building and community, it is also a chance for people to learn more about Habitat for Humanity.

    “Raise the Roof holds the Build on the Green primarily to raise awareness for the charity and to underscore the hands-on method we employ to build our houses,” he said. “The event makes it easy for our core community to volunteer for a short time in helping to build a portion of our next house, and we hope that this stimulates more people to volunteer for an entire day on the job site in New Haven.”

    Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and are asked to sign up online.

    “This is a great way for a family, a neighborhood, or an organization to spend time working together and benefiting a deserving family,” he said.

    To donate or sign-up for the build, visit: http://raisetheroofct.org/page/28690-Build-on-the-Green-2-16.

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  • 2015 Gala Of Stars: Dancing For The Cause

  • (Published November 2015) Raise the Roof, the shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity, held its first Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 13. Raise the Roof invited a group of community leaders to a dance competition after some training from the Arthur Murray Guilford Dance Center. The event successfully raised more than $60,000 to aid in the building a new home for a family in need.

    Sean Patrick Fowler, Special to the Courant

    Click here for Sean’s photos of the event.

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  • 2015 Stars Dance for the Cause

  • (Published December 03, 2015) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    With passion, commitment, spirit, and fun, the 2015 Gala of the Stars contestants managed to dance with their hearts as well as their feet. For two months, they took ballroom dance lessons, campaigned for “votes”/dollars, and spread the story of Raise the Roof’s mission. On Nov. 13, in a gala event at The WoodWinds of Branford, these stars danced Raise the Roof to its goal of raising the funds to build its 12th Habitat for Humanity house—more than $60,000 was raised.

    The 2015 stars were Eileen and Tom Banisch, Angela Clemmons and Peter O’Donnell, Deb and Russell Heinrich, Dodie Milardo and Will Gambardella, Nancy and Don Rankin, Heidi Voight and Todd Russell, Joy Grabow Weaver and Tom Scarice, and Grace Zhang and Alex Taubes. Instructors were from event partner Arthur Murray of Guilford.

    Raise the Roof thanks all of the stars for putting their hearts into dancing to build a Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house, and the event sponsors and to all who voted in support of the dancers.

    For more information, visit raisetheroofct.org for upcoming information about the 2 Strong Street, New Haven, groundbreaking ceremony and work opportunities.

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  • Voting Still Open for Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

  • (Published November 12, 2015) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    A television news personality, a local school superintendent, a professional singer, a former state legislator, an author, a theater director, and business and community leaders are busy shopping for dancing shoes and making their way to the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Guilford. Raise the Roof, the Shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity, has invited a group of stars—community leaders passionate about making the world a better place by providing opportunities for families to own safe, affordable homes—to dance and compete with a special fundraising twist: They are helping to build a Habitat house in New Haven.

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines suited to their personal styles during 10 private lessons provided by Arthur Murray of Guilford, Raise the Roof’s Event Partner. The dancing stars will perform on Friday, Nov. 13 at Raise the Roof’s Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dancing couple that receives the most votes will be named the winner and will receive the grand-prize 2015 Shoreline Stars trophy. Voting takes place online through the Nov. 13 gala performances. To donate to vote, visit raisetheroofct.org, where there is also information on how to make a donation and vote by mail.

    A group of celebrity judges will present special awards the night of the event. In addition to the dance performances, gala guests will enjoy a plated dinner, along with time for their own dancing and to mingle with the stars. Raise the Roof’s stars have been invited because of their leadership, heart, and commitment. These stars are dancing to build a home for a deserving family. Tickets to the Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause can be purchased at raisetheroofct.org.

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  • Local Stars Get Ready to Dance for a Good Cause

  • (Published November 03, 2015) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    Ready to see your neighbors and community leaders throw on their dancing shoes for a good cause? Raise the Roof, the shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity, has added a new twist to its annual gala fundraiser—local stars will be dancing for your votes, and your charity dollars.

    The event, Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause, will be held Friday, Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at WoodWinds in Branford. Treasure of Raise the Roof Donna Gregory said they are very excited to put on this new event.

    “The inspiration for the fundraiser came from successful, long-running events held in Maryland,” she said. “Raise the Roof saw the possibility of building their own unique and exciting version, which brought them to the work of creating and putting together the first ‘Gala of Stars.’”

    Many local stars agreed to dance and compete and the final list of competitors was revealed on Sept. 12. The competitors are: Eileen and Tom Banisch, Angela Clemmons and Peter O’Donnell, Deb and Russell Heinrich, Dodie Milardo and Will Gambardella, Nancy and Don Rankin, Heidi Voight and Todd Russell, and Joy Weaver and Tom Scarice.

    The dancers are currently taking lessons to prepare for the event and Gregory says it is going well.

    “Each dance couple is taking 10 private classes with Raise the Roof’s Prima Ballerina Event Partner, Arthur Murray Guilford, and many of the dancers are taking ballroom lessons for the first time,” she said. “Teachers and students have reported that lessons are going well and fun is being had!”

    Stars are competing for votes, which equate to dollars in an effort to fund the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity House. Voting is currently open online at http://raisetheroofct.org and people can vote at the event.

    “Voting is off to an excellent start, with 150 individuals and organizations donating to vote for dancers or sponsor the event,” she said. “Some individuals have spread their votes across more than one dance couple in this fun, friendly competition.”

    Gregory said those who vote help to build with their donations.

    “The 12th Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house will be built at 2 Strong Street, New Haven,” she said. “Raise the Roof commits $60,000 to the building of each house. The goal for Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause is to raise the funds needed to build this next house.”

    The gala on Nov. 13 will include a plated dinner and dance performances from all of the couples. Proceeds from the ticket sales will also go toward building the house.

    Gregory said the couple with the most donations/votes will receive the grand prize trophy, but noted this event is not about winning or losing.

    “In the end, the dancing stars, the voters, and the judges are all on the same team with the same wonderful goal of building a Habitat for Humanity house—a family’s home,” she said.

    To vote or purchase tickets, visit http://raisetheroofct.org.

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  • Raise the Roof Holds Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause Fundraiser

  • (Published October 01, 2015) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    Raise the Roof is holding its Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause fundraising event for which participants are learning choreographed ballroom routines to be performed during the event on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Woodwinds of Branford.

    The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dance couple that receives the most votes will be named the winner and will receive the grand prize 2015 Shoreline Stars trophy. Voting is taking place online and will stay open through the Nov. 13 gala performances.

    The stars competing in the event include Eileen and Tom Banisch, Angela Clemmons and Peter O’Donnell, Deb and Russell Heinrich, Dodie Milardo and Will Gambardella, Nancy and Don Rankin, Heidi Voight and Todd Russell, Joy Grabow Weaver and Tom Scarice, and Grace Zhang and Alex Taubes.

    The event takes place on Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Road, Branford. Ticket sales are opening soon; visit raisetheroofct.org for updates.

    This information was provided by Raise the Roof.

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  • Local Stars Dancing for the Cause

  • (Published September 10, 2015) Click here for the article and photos in Shore Publishing.

    A television news personality, a local school superintendent, a professional singer, a former state legislator, an author, a theater director, and business and community leaders are busy shopping for dancing shoes and making their way to the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Guilford. Raise the Roof, the Shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity, has invited a group of stars—community leaders passionate about making the world a better place by providing opportunities for families to own safe, affordable homes—to dance and compete with a special fundraising twist.

    They are helping to build a Habitat house in New Haven.

    The stars are learning choreographed ballroom routines suited to their personal styles during ten private lessons provided by Arthur Murray of Guilford, Raise the Roof’s Event Partner. The dancing stars will perform on Friday, Nov. 13 at Raise the Roof’s Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause at The WoodWinds of Branford. The stars are competing for “votes” (dollars = votes) and their dancing is raising funds for the building of the next Raise the Roof Habitat for Humanity house. The dancing couple that receives the most “votes” will be named the winner and will receive the grand-prize 2015 Shoreline Stars trophy. Voting takes place online and will stay open through the Nov. 13 gala performances. Donate to vote at raisetheroofct.org, where there is also information on how to make a donation and vote by mail.

    A group of celebrity judges will present special awards the night of the event. In addition to the dance performances, gala guests will enjoy a plated dinner, along with time for their own dancing and to mingle with the stars. Raise the Roof’s stars have been invited because of their leadership, heart, and commitment. These stars are dancing to build a home for a deserving family. Tickets to the Gala of Stars: Dancing for the Cause can be purchased at raisetheroofct.org.

    This information was provided by Raise the Roof.

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  • Raise the Roof with Rotaries

  • BRANFORD [January 19, 2015] The whine of table saws and clang of hammers pierce the cold January sky as shoreline Rotarians, other volunteers, and members of Habitat for Humanity join in a project constructing a house at 603 Sherman Parkway in New Haven. The site is the future home of Kawusu & Ramatu Sheriff and their children.

    This project is due to the initiative of the Guilford Rotary Club following a presentation by Raise the Roof outlining its efforts to build Habitat homes in New Haven neighborhoods. Raise the Roof is the shoreline Habitat for Humanity connection, formerly known as Madison Cares.

    The Rotary District 7980 Foundation approved a Matching Grant application for the Branford, Guilford, and Madison clubs, whereby each club donated $2500. This resulted in a total donation of $15,000 to Raise the Roof with club funds being matched by the District. Barry Farbrother of the Guilford Rotary spearheaded this effort to obtain the grant. The Shoreline club presidents who supported the grant are David Chew (Branford), John Sengstacken (Guilford), and Ed Pellegrino (Madison). Gary Drake continues to act as liaison to Raise the Roof.

    Raise the Roof president, Don Epperson, Sr., reports that the house is their 11th Habitat build. Onsite construction will be performed by shoreline Rotarians, other volunteers, and trades people provided by Habitat for Humanity. Private Individuals or organizations may also donate “house parts” to this build by visiting this page. Volunteers interested in working on the house are encouraged to sign up at raisetheroofct.org under ‘Help Build This House.”

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven partner families are selected through an application process. Partial criteria include demonstrating a need for housing, ability to carry a mortgage and completing 400 hours of sweat equity toward the building of Habitat homes. It serves families who earn 30-60 per cent of area median income and who would have no other way to own a home of their own.

    Rotarians and others will continue to solder, saw, sand, sheetrock, and scale the roof through the icy air of winter. Habitat estimates completion in approximately 3 – 4 months.

    The combined effort of Raise the Roof and Rotary will be showcased in a “Build on the Guilford Green” event, May 16th 2015. This day-long event will feature the building of actual walls, to then be trucked to New Haven by volunteers along with music, food, and much more, demonstrating how to improve New Haven neighborhoods, “One house at a time.”

    Written and submitted by Alpha Coiro
    Alphabetty1@att.net; 203-488-7103

  • Pictures above are as follows:

    #1-ON THE ROOF-John Trowbridge, Guilford Rotary C- Glen Stewart, Habitat New Haven construction manager, R-Gary Drake, project coordinator, Alpha Coiro-photog

    #2- Front: Sheriff children
    Middle: L to R: Gary Drake, Guilford Rotary project coordinator; John Sengstacken, Guilford Rotary Pres.; Don Epperson, Sr., President RTR Executive Committee; Mr. Sheriff, house recipient; Ed Pellegrino, Madison RC president; Jim Satterwhite, Madison Rotary Club
    Back: David Chew, Branford Rotary President; Phil Carloni, Branford Rotarian, Michael Maguire-photog

    #3- Kawusu Sheriff and 2 children, house recipients, Michael Maguire-photog

    #4-Shadow-workers, Alpha Coiro-photog.

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  • Raise the Roof Gala Event Celebration

  • Annual Gala took place Friday, November 7th at the Madison Beach Hotel

  • The Turay family arrives and is welcomed by Don Epperson, President of Raise the Roof
  • The 11th annual Raise the Roof Gala event was held Friday night Nov. 7th 2014. 120 plus guests enjoyed a plated dinner and music at the beautiful Madison Beach Hotel to support Raise the Roof, the shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity Greater New Haven.

    After registering at the hotel’s concierge desk in the main lobby, guests proceeded upstairs to the ballroom past a large “Raise the Roof” banner hung on the staircase railing.

    Here in the hotel’s upper hallway, doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, doorknobs and other “house parts” displayed on large white easels greeted the guests. During dinner guests were then given the chance to buy a house part for the next Habitat home to be built at Sherman Parkway in New Haven in 2015.

    A unique silent art auction was also offered with beautiful water and oil paintings from four renowned local shoreline artists. Four tables displayed a total of sixteen pieces of original artworks giving each patron time to consider and bid on their favorite piece.

    Dinner was served across 14 tables circling a large dance floor that would be well used later. Mike Maguire, the founder of Raise the Roof served as Master of Ceremonies and after dinner also conducted a “live art auction” for three very unique pieces of art. Don Epperson, president of Raise the Roof also recognized the event sponsors and the Turay family, the latest family to move into a Raise the Roof sponsored home on Greenwood street in New Haven.

    After dinner guests danced to the music of the “Lunchbox Band” on a packed dance floor.

    Raise the Roof is now in its 11th year of helping to build new homes for low-income families in New Haven. For more information and to make a donation or volunteer to work at the next build site click here

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  • Raise the Roof Transitions to New Hands

  • Shore Publishing, October 27, 2014

  • Raise the Roof, the shoreline connection to Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, has announced that Maureen Lopes recently stepped down as president of its board of directors. Don Epperson, Sr., has replaced her as president.

    Founded in 2004 by long-term Madison residents Ellen and Mike Maguire, Raise the Roof recruits volunteers from shoreline communities to work alongside Habitat families to build new homes in New Haven. Over the past 10 years it has raised more than $500,000 and completed 10 homes. Lopes has served on the Raise the Roof Board for nine of those 10 years and has been president of the board for the last three.

    Epperson has worked on 10 to 15 houses in New Haven over the past several years and joined the board in 2013.
    Read Article in Shore Publishing