Habitat Home Dedication Ceremony Oct. 5: The realization of a dream

With many members of the CMLA Board of Directors, staff, and sponsor members looking on, Lori Vaclavik, Executive Director, Metro Denver Habitat for Humanity, told the story of the Hallouli family and of the building of the home that was minutes away from becoming their very own.

Lori Vaclavik, Executive Director, Metro Denver Habitat for Humanity, welcomes everyone to the Dedication Ceremony

Ms. Vaclavik thanked those present for their role in making the home a reality for the Hallouli family through the dedication of their time as a volunteer or by contributing financial support. “I hope that today, as you look at this home and at the happy faces of this family, that you know without a doubt that you have made a difference for the Halloulis, not just today or tomorrow, but for years to come. By changing their lives you have changed the world and brought us one step closer to the day when everyone, everywhere will have a good place to call home.”

            Former CMLA Chairman Debi Taylor, whose vision to pursue funding and building a Habitat home inspired members of the CMLA to get involved with Habitat, told the crowd about her experience as a child watching her parents become homeowners and what a difference that home meant to her family. She also noted that Jamal and Hayat have dreams – dreams of their two daughters, Lina and Nour, having a safe neighborhood to play in, a community to be a part of, and the ability to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Debi Taylor, former Chairman, CMLA, thanks CMLA members for sharing their time and finances to make homeownership a reality for the Hallouli family.

Just before presenting the keys to the Hallouli family Ms. Taylor noted, “Most of us have homes and know what it means to have a safe place to go to at the end of the day. Thanks to the efforts of everyone who helped make this dream come true for the Hallouli family, they now can experience homeownership also. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done.”

Mike Amoroso, construction supervisor, also thanked the volunteers who helped build the home. “We could never accomplish the building of a Habitat home without the volunteers,” Mike stated. “On behalf of Habitat for Humanity, thank you, each of you, for your time and effort toward this home. Over 500 volunteers helped with the Hallouli home alone. That says a lot for the character of the people in this area.”

With Lina and Nour patiently watching, Hayat and Jamal Hallouli cut the ribbon to open the door to homeownership!

            New homeowner Jamal Hallouli shared his first feelings about homeownership by noting the importance of a safe place to live. “In these days, as a parent, one has to wonder what kind of a world we are going to leave to our children, with all the violence in many parts of the world. Working with Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers opens your eyes to the noble side of life and the goodness in people’s hearts to help one another,” he added. Jamal has traveled to many countries, but feels that the spirit of cooperation and help is the spirit of America. “Things happen because they are created by human beings like each of you,” Jamal noted. “We have constantly been amazed by the kindness of everyone. CMLA is fortunate to have people who gave freely of their time and finances to help build this home for us. On behalf of my family, thank you all.”

CMLA Board members and staff gather with the Hallouli family on their front porch at the Dedication Ceremony.

L to R front row: Debi Taylor, Jamal Hallouli and daughter Lina, Charlotte O’Donnell.

Back row: Jim Lewis, Jerra Ryan, Tami Starley, Lynn Bishop, Stacey Harding, Hayat and Nour Hallouli, Mandy Wingfield, Kathy Stein.

55 Habitat homes are completed each day in the 100 countries where Habitat for Humanity is building. A Habitat home is completed every 24 minutes somewhere around the world.

Special thanks to our sponsors!

Community Builder Club

$5,000 & Above

GMAC/RFC

Mortgage Bankers Association

PMI Mortgage Insurance

CMLA Holiday Party

Platinum Hammer Club - $2,500

 Mick Iverson Classic Golf Tournament

Red Rocks Federal Credit Union

Gold Hammer Club - $1,000

Cherry Creek Mortgage Company

Stacey Harding, CML

 Anne Koentges, CML

Terry Jones, CML

Jim Lewis, CML

MegaStar Financial

Deb Meogrossi, CML

J. Greg Osborne, CML

Jerra Ryan, CML

Cathy Stroud, CML

Bill Woodman, CML

Silver Hammer Club - $500

Air Academy Federal Credit Union

Julie Piepho, CMB, CML & David Bee

Bronze Hammer Club - $250

Brad Groves, CML 

Chris Holbert

Taylor, Bean & Whitaker

Debi Taylor, CMB, CML & Tim Taylor

Carpenter’s Club -  $250 & Below

Barry Asmus

Wayne Bland, CML

Cindy Emerine, CML

Tom Kimball, CML

Phil Koentges, CML

Eric Mowrey, CML

Murray Franke Greenhouse List & Lippitt, LLP

Derek Noll, CML

Patricia Norton, CML

Mike Rosser, CMB, CML