Anticipation builds as local builders and community rally and prep for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Eagle Creek Community.
By Laura Wolstenholme
Images courtesy of St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen last year’s Treasure Valley winner of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway entered her new home for the first time, she was still shocked by her good fortune. Her fingers grazed the stylish counters; her eyes admiringly surveyed the freshly painted walls.
Yet despite winning the prized dream home already, she said she will continue to give to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as she has done for the past 16 years.
It’s that kind of contest. Win or lose, the donation always benefits.
Every year, the inspiring giveaway is held nationwide, supporting the St. Jude Research Hospital and its sole purpose of treating and finding cures for children with cancer and other serious and infectious diseases.
The annual fundraiser has been here in the Treasure Valley for eight years, eagerly selling $100 raffle tickets to hopefuls with their eyes on the move-in ready grand prize or other prizes. All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In operation for 60 years, St. Jude has vastly improved the treatment success for children. For example, in 1962 the survival rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of the most common cancers in children, was four percent. Through St. Jude’s research work and development of treatment protocols, the survival rate for children now is 94 percent. And any family whose child is treated at St. Jude pays nothing. That’s right—the family never receives a medical bill from St. Jude.
Ashley Sain, senior event marketing representative for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital says the Treasure Valley has always given a great response to the St. Jude fundraiser. Last year, tickets sold out and garnered $777,777. This year, the benevolent bar has been set to $817,700, and tickets are available for purchase until June 23 or until they sell out.
Located in Eagle Creek Community, the 2013 Dream Home is being constructed by the Berkeley Building Company. As in past years, the builder is donating the home, and the subcontractors also donate their time, too.
“It takes a village to do the Giveaway Dream Home each year,” Sain said.
The 2,900 square feet, five-bedroom house is located across from Eagle High School. Amenities include solid wood floors, custom finish carpentry and even an intriguing, built-in secret door bookshelf leading to a hidden bonus room.
The Dream Home’s grand opening will be on Saturday, May 4, and will be available for touring by the public every Saturday and Sunday until June 16.
The Dream Home is not the only prize. There are other fine prizes available, valued at $1000 dollars each or more. In fact, one in 500 ticket holders will win a prize, which improves odds and the incentive to get involved.
To buy a ticket, go to the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway website, http://www.stjude.org/dhboise, or call 1-800-537-8939. You can also purchase a ticket at the Dream Home’s open house on weekends beginning May 4 until June 16.
The nail-biting conclusion to the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway happens June 23 when the winners will be announced on KTVB News Channel
