Tag Archives: Diane Barnes

A Day at Habitat – Veteran Volunteer

20 Jul

At Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, when we think dedication the name Rick Sharp comes to mind. Rick has been volunteering with HFHGCA for 23 years. Rick said he found out about Habitat through an article in the local paper talking about our first build working on the Signal Mountain house. The worked intrigued him, so he decided to become a volunteer. From that day on he was hooked.

“A hammer is a good item,” said Rick. He loves working with his hands and Habitat is a great way to do that. “It is a worthwhile experience to volunteer.” Rick volunteer one Saturday every month with First Christian Church, and he also comes on Thursdays with Rivermont Presbyterian Church. Rick said he keeps coming to volunteer after 23 years because he likes the people he works with and the fun that he has.

Rick favorite jobs to do while on the work site are putting up the walls and the trim. His least favorite part is painting the inside of the house. He would much rather have a hammer in his hands. Rick said he likes how Habitat is constantly changing the way they build to keep improving and growing.

Beside HFHGCA, one of Rick’s favorite activities is growing roses. He works on them with another Habitat volunteer Charlie and they grow about 125 roses. Another thing that Rick likes to do is build model railroads.

If you like to work with you as like Rick does, we encourage you to come by and volunteer. Contact Dawn Hjelseth (423) 756-0507 ext. 16 for more information. Or visit our website for information on our staff, how to volunteer, projects we have going on, and how to donate.

2nd Annual Sustainable Giving Sustainable Living Dinner Garners $45,000 in Support of Habitat’s Work

28 Apr

More than 300 friends of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga recently gathered last Thursday night at the Mill on the Southside for the 2nd Annual Sustainable Giving Sustainable Living Dinner and raised $ 45,000 in support of Habitat’s homeownership program.

McCallie Guitar Ensemble provided dinner music.

Guests enjoyed music by the McCallie Guitar Ensemble and a dinner catered by Sodexho Dining Services.  Long-time volunteer Diane Barnes, who along with her husband Don was honored last year with a life-time achievement award from Habitat for Humanity International set the tone for the evening by sharing her passion for investing in people’s lives through homebuilding.

A scroll representing how many homes Don and Diane Barnes have helped build was unrolled as their service was recognized.

An auction then followed with board members, homeowners and staff sharing different facets of Habitat’s work and its impact.  Erika Pope whose home is currently under construction brought home the emotion of longing for homeownership, when she talked of her son’s life-long dream of having his own room and a family dog.  His dream will soon come true thanks to her Habitat home which is currently under construction.

Habitat homewner (right) Erika Pope, her son and other guests enjoyed dinner catered by Sodexho Dining Services.

As each auction level was reached, details were added to a digital representation of a house on a screen, thanks to graphics generously created by Artech.  DV Communications support through audio and visual equipment greatly enhanced the evening.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Wilkinson Group, all our event expenses were covered, so that 100% of the funds raised at the dinner, go to support Habitat’s work,” said Sumner McCallie, president of Habitat’s board.  “We are so grateful to everyone who came out to support Habitat’s work in this community.  Thanks to them Habitat will be able to change the lives of more families and ultimately our community.”

Diane Barnes spoke eloquently regarding the importance of building relationships when partnering with families in need of homes.

The lead sponsor for the event was the Wilkinson Companies – Pinnacle Condominiums.  Other sponsors included:  A& A Outdoor Maintenance, ABC Supply, Charlie Belcher, Dave and Erin Labelle Photography, DV Communications, Hayward Bolt and Supply, Ramsey Dethero, Sumner McCallie, and Thompson Rogers and Williams, PLLC.   Twenty five other individuals, organizations and businesses hosted tables.


Barnes Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

9 Mar

Friends, Habitat homeowners, board members and staff gathered recently at the McCallie School to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Don and Diane Barnes to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s home building program.  The Barnes have worked as full-time volunteer construction site supervisors for more than 14 years!

Don Barnes (left) and Diane Barnes (middle) receive the 2009 HFHI Life Time Achievement Award Plaque from Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.

After heavy hors d’œuvres Sumner McCallie, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga introduced several people who spoke about how Don and Diane’s service has impacted their lives.    A plaque from Habitat for Humanity International was presented to the couple in recognition of their selection as winners of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their work in making affordable housing available for those who need it.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a scroll containing the names of the 144 partner families and the funding partners the Barnes have worked with.  As the scroll was unrolled, it eventually encircled the entire room, dramatically capturing the impact that two individuals can have through service.

Sumner McCallie, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga begins unrolling a scroll with the names of the 218 families whose homes Don Barnes (center) and Diane Barnes (right) have helped build over the years.

“The Barnes have invested their time in building homes for families, and in helping thousands of volunteers see Habitat’s work, not just as an exercise in building a house, but in creating a home and a future for a family,” says Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “Don and Diane are people of strong faith and conviction – they build as if they are building unto God – they set a high standard – we are truly blessed to have them as partners in our work.”

Habitat board members, staff, homeowners and friends of Diane and Don Barnes help hold up a scroll with the names of the 144 families whose homes they have helped build.

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