County Habitat for Humanity Event Raises $30,000

Approximately 150 players, supporters and volunteers convened at Lindenwood Golf Club in Canonsburg—near the border—for the ninth annual Washington County Habitat for Humanity (WCHfH) benefit golf tournament last Friday.

The event raised more than $30,000 for the nonprofit organization, which builds new homes for families in need who are willing to partner with WCHfH.

“This tournament is a testament to the philanthropic views of our many supporters,” said Tony Gacek, executive director. “Even in tougher economic times, these individuals and businesses share their time and resources with Habitat—in some cases each year since we started this event, and for that we are forever grateful.”

In today’s market, it costs about $80,000 for WCHfH to build a simple, affordable home for one of its partner families, according to a release. Those same homes typically appraise for $120,000. Upon construction completion, WCHfH then sells the home to the family at cost with a zero percent interest mortgage over 20 years. This partnership affords homeownership opportunities to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to realize the American Dream.

Highlights from the event included giveaways to tournament participants, raffle and auction opportunities, contest holes on the course and more. But for golf fans, one lucky tournament player took home perhaps the best prize of the day: his first ever hole in one.

“It was an exciting day for Washington County Habitat for Humanity,” said Matt Helfrich, WCHfH board member and golf tournament coordinator. “We are addressing a major need in the community and when you see people come out to rally behind our cause, it makes you feel like you are making progress.”

In nine years of running its annual golf outing, WCHfH has raised nearly $300,000 that has been put toward its mission to end the cycle of poverty in Washington County. That’s the equivalent of more than three Habitat homes in the community, according to Gacek.

and has its 48th house under construction in Washington. The group plans to break ground on its 49th home in Cokeburg later this summer.

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