Giving Back: Mid-Florida Home Builders Foundation

After all, the need for such assistance is greater now than ever before. That’s why the charitable arm of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando has redoubled its efforts even as many 
of its longtime supporters are feeling the crunch in their own businesses.

Since its founding in 1985, the Foundation has funneled more than $1 million back into the community. Here’s more about the organization and how it makes a difference.

Q. What is the Mid-Florida Home Builders Foundation?
A.The Mid-Florida Home Builders Foundation was established to provide a vehicle through which the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando could raise funds for charitable activities.

Q. What is the focus?
A.The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for organizations that help children and families in need in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Q. What is the history of the 
Foundation?
A.The organization was chartered in 1985. Since then, it has been responsible for donations of more than $1 million to youth-related charities and scholarship funds across Central Florida.

Q. What charities does it serve?
A. The charities chosen for 2009 include the following:
> Grandma’s House, an intergenerational program at Westminster Care of Orlando where adults and children live together and interact in a home-like environment.
> MicheLee Puppets, a youth theatre company that uses puppet performances to address issues such as bullying and sexual assault.
> Florida’s Vision Quest, which provides free vision exams and glasses for children with poor vision.
> New Hope for Kids, which helps children dealing with the death of loved ones and grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

“These four emerged as being the best fit for our Foundation,” says Tony Martin of Opus South, a Foundation Trustee. “They each do a tremendous amount of good for children and youth right here in our community, none receive major contributions through other sources and they each are in desperate need of funding.”

According to current Foundation President Debbie Morris of Web Resource Management, the Foundation will continue to monitor needs of all kinds, including in-kind donations and hands-on projects that can be supported by the HBA. “But right now, our primary focus will be on making a real difference in the ability of these four organizations to continue their missions of service,” she says.

Q. Where can we learn more?
A. Visit the HBA’s Web site at www.hbaofmetroorlando.com and click on “HBA Foundation.”