Home Builders Association Nearing
Completion of Ronald McDonald House®
SIOUX FALLS, SD (July 20, 2009) -- Members of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire (HBASE) are hard at work completing the new Ronald McDonald House® that is within walking distance of Sanford Children’s Hospital. Since the construction of the 18-bedroom home at 17th Street and Lake Avenue began in July of 2008, hundreds of HBASE members have donated cash, materials and long hours of labor to this unique community service project.
“Despite the negative economic news nationwide, our HBA members have really stepped up to make this project a big success,” said Mike Hoffman, President of the HBASE. “I really want our members to understand the positive impact they’re going to have on hundreds of families that will some day call this place their temporary home.”
According to the project’s lead contractor, Scott Hjellming of Hjellming Construction, the trim work on the first and second floors is almost complete while cabinetry is being installed in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. Outside crews are working on the landscaping, setting the lights and installing the brick for the charity’s sign.
Hjellming, past HBASE President, serves on the Board of Directors for both the HBASE and the RMHC-SD. “We’re so thankful for all the companies that have helped out with this project,” said Hjellming.
“The level of the HBASE’s generosity speaks volumes about the character of the people in this industry in South Dakota,” said MJ Schmidt, Executive Director of RMHC-SD.
Ronald McDonald House® Charities of South Dakota (RMHC-SD) provides a home away from home for families as their seriously ill children receive medical treatment at facilities such as Sanford Children’s Hospital. When the doors open this fall, the charity will have two homes in Sioux Falls (a 9-bedroom home near Avera McKennan and the new 18-bedroom home near Sanford Children’s Hospital). Over 6,000 families have utilized the charity’s housing services in South Dakota since 1983.
“On behalf of the many families and children who use our Castle of Care, we are very appreciative of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and its members and supporters who are making this possible,” said Jan Haugen-Rogers, Vice-President of Children’s Services at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
Since the planning of this $4 million project began in 2007, the HBASE has generously assisted RMHC-SD in lining up donations of all sizes. They have also been actively recruiting volunteers to help with the construction of the 25,000 square foot home. Select room sponsorships are still available.
Earlier this year Joan and Myron Van Buskirk and their family made a $50,000 donation to be a room sponsor in the new home.
“Combining the fact that our family has personally given time to the Ronald McDonald House® over the years and that this is an HBA driven event, our family felt a strong desire to give to this project,” said Steve Van Buskirk, son of Joan and Myron. Myron and Steve are both past Presidents of the HBASE.
For more information about the HBASE or to donate to this project, please call 605-361-8322 or visit www.hbasiouxempire.com.