Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities, Nominated as Philanthropic Service Organization of the Year, Sponsors Fifth Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties Home
St. Petersburg, FL— The Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities were recognized as the Philanthropic Service Organization of the Year at this morning’s Association of Fundraising Professionals Tampa Bay Chapter National Philanthropy Day® breakfast.
The event honored individuals and organizations for their contributions to countless charities and causes in the Tampa Bay community. Copperhead Charities was nominated by Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties for their ongoing commitment to the community and the Habitat mission.
“Thanks to our partnership with the Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities, countless families and individuals in need of safe and affordable housing have been impacted in our community”, said Mike Sutton, President and CEO of the local affiliate. “This nomination came at an exciting time; on November 26th, we will be dedicating the fifth Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities sponsored home to a local family – just in time for the holidays.”
In addition to the organization’s commitment to affordable new home construction, Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities has partnered with Habitat and it’s home repair program to sponsor three “Paint the Block” events in the community. These events bring together community volunteers to provide exterior home improvements for local homeowners.
“Our organization strives to bring a world-class professional sporting event to our community, generate international recognition for Tampa Bay through our televised broadcast and media coverage, and create a strong economic impact. But even more important than those objectives is the charitable mission we have to use tournament proceeds to impact those in need of assistance in our community. That is what our support of Habitat and our other charities is all about…providing a hand-up to fellow community members in need. We’re honored to accept this recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Tampa Bay Chapter on behalf of Valspar, our other tournament sponsors, our Copperheads, CopperMugs and tournament volunteers”, said Jim Eisch, Copperhead Charities General Chairman.
On Tuesday, November 26th, Brittany Holmes will celebrate the completion of the Habitat homeownership program and her graduation from “Homeowner Candidate” to Homeowner.
When Brittany found out that her family had been accepted into the Habitat homeownership program, she was grateful. “My heart was so full, our family is able to move into a new home that is equipped with everything needed to live a happy healthy life. This is life changing for me and my family.”
Brittany has completed over 350 sweat equity hours, 20 homeowner education classes and is looking forward to this new chapter for her son, Jayden, and her nephew, Lanard. As part of their partnership, members of the Valspar Championship and Copperhead Charities community worked alongside Brittany during construction.
“I know my life will change with a Habitat home. The boys will each have their own room, where they can grow and enjoy their privacy. We will have a new and updated place to call home forever. Also I am very excited to become a homeowner as that is a very large milestone for someone my age to accomplish.”
During the dedication ceremony, Jim Eisch, Copperhead Charities General Chairman, will present the keys to the Holmes family and Tracy West, Valspar Championship Tournament Director will give Brittany the symbolic hammer to commemorate her homeownership milestone.
The build was made possible by a donation from Copperhead Charities as a result of net proceeds from the 2019 Valspar Championship. As with all Habitat for Humanity homes across the U.S., every drop of paint used to help make this house a home, has been donated by Valspar.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 26th, 2019
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
WHERE: 3743 31st Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL
Media are invited to attend this event. Photo and interview opportunities will be available after the ceremony. Please contact Morgan Brochetti at (727) 536-4755 ext. 203 or mbrochetti@habitatpwp.org for more information.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties
In March 2019, the West Pasco and Pinellas County affiliates merged to form Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. In total, the affiliate has served more than 780 families in Pinellas and West Pasco Counties through its homeownership and home repair program. Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. Candidates must demonstrate a need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 sweat equity hours. Mortgage monies are then used to build more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability which leads to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their two ReStores. ReStores are home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or visit www.habitatpwp.org.
Valspar Championship
The Valspar Championship is Tampa Bay’s PGA TOUR event and a part of the annual FedExCup competition. The 2020 Valspar Championship will be held on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida from March 16-22, 2020. Paul Casey is defending champion in a field of top PGA TOUR professionals. It is nationally televised by NBC Sports and Golf Channel. For more information, visit www.valsparchampionship.com and follow @valsparchamp on Twitter.
Copperhead Charities, Inc.
Copperhead Charities history of supporting charities through professional golf dates back to 1977, with funds generated exceeding $43 million. The 2020 Valspar Championship, is the 20th full-field PGA TOUR event sponsored by the Copperheads. Over 200 Tampa Bay area civic and business leaders are members of the Copperheads and CopperMugs. Jim Eisch serves as the General Chair and Ronde Barber the Vice General Chair. The tournament is managed by Pro Links Sports with Executive Director Hollis Cavner and Tournament Director Tracy West.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Morgan Brochetti, Director of Marketing and Communications
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties
(727) 536-4755, ext. 203
mbrochetti@habitatpwp.org
