Accolades were many at the groundbreaking today (10.24.18) for the St. Jude Dream Home in the Winstead Farms neighborhood of Lakeland.
St. Jude and City officials officially shoveled dirt to signal the start of the 20th Dream Home in the Memphis area to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
St. Jude officials praised the City of Lakeland for their support. The City thanked St. Jude for picking Lakeland.
The 3,400 square-foot home will be valued at $450,000 with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, said Greg Bridgers of Southern Serenity Homes, builder of the homes for 12 years. It will be at 5046 Adagio Lane.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZstTMgxjyBRKPyWt8
Dr. Susan Aguillard, ALSAC/St. Jude representative, recognized Mr. Bridgers along with Doug Swink with Renaissance Realty, St. Jude, City, Lakeland School System and Lakeland Chamber of Commerce officials.
Dr. Aguillard commented it was a great day to start the number 20 house in the area. “The first one in the area was in Southaven and the goal was 5,500 tickets, all sold,” she said. “This year the goal is 14,500 tickets,” she said. Ticket sales start March. 29th for $100 each with the Dream Home and other prizes awarded June 23.
There are over 43 Dream Homes across the U.S. with expected revenues for the Hospital of $30 million.
Mr. Bridgers complimented Lakeland for its welcome of the Dream Home and its donations of money and fees.
At a September BOC (Board of Commissioners) meeting, commissioners approved three resolutions for the Dream Home:
- Waive sign ordinance regulations for the project
- Waive all City building permit fees excluding sewer connection fees
- Donate $10,000 from the City to the St. Jude Dream Home
During Mr. Bridgers involvement with the program, $14.5 million has been raised for St. Jude though Dream Homes in the Memphis area.
Mr. Swink thanked Lakeland and its leadership. “We’re so proud to be here. This is going to be the year to come in at zero.” The goal is to have all expenses on the Dream House covered by donations so all revenue from the House can be donated to St. Jude.
Mayor Wyatt Bunker thanked the team for picking Lakeland. “It is a testimony to all of the great things happening in Lakeland now. We are excited to be partnering with this group and Southern Serenity Homes to support St. Jude.”
Besides Southern Serenity Homes and Renaissance Realty, there are 11 other sponsors including media, furniture stores, two car dealers and the Ladies of St. Jude.
Link to the program: https://www.stjude.org/give/dream-home.html
… Photos, video by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
