On a Thursday, February 22, Habitat supporters gathered at FB Capital Partners headquarters in the Cira Center to discuss Habitat's upcoming green building project on Stiles Street. Maarten Pesch of Wallace Roberts and Todd presented a graphic introduction to the details and reasons behind the project. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed food from RAE and wine donated by Cosentino Winery. Attendees also received a project brief and promotional CD outlining Habitat Philadelphia’s plans for the future.

The event was sponsored by:

• FB Capital Partners - Michael Forman
• Cosentino Winery
• CFI Knoll
• RAE
• Works on Paper

When Biserka Mikleus first heard of Jon bon Jovi's sponsorship of Habitat Philadelphia homes, she was inspired to participate in his vision for community building. So in early February, she contacted Habitat's Development office, requesting a way to honor Bon Jovi's birthday by fundraising to benefit Habitat. Through the advice of Stephanie Thaw, Development Director, she was led to set up a page on Habitat's Firstgiving site labeled JBJ Birthday Campaign.

Firstgiving.com provides a way for third party fundraisers (any person who wants to encourage others to donate) to raise money for their charity in a personal and technologically efficient manner. The fundraiser builds his/her own basic webpage attached to the charity's firstgiving page so that donations and communication can be made simple - tailor-made to that fundraiser's contacts and motivations.

"Although many of us donate to our local charities and have our personal causes we support, we also all share a common thread of admiration and respect for Jon's philanthropic work, and for the impact he continues to make on so many individuals' lives," Bisi writes on her firstgiving page. "This campaign is simply a way for us to honor Jon directly for his birthday by supporting a charitable organization he holds near and dear to his heart."

To date, Biserka's efforts have raised over $3,200 for Habitat Philadelphia! We applaud the resourcefulness and heart of people like her who find a way to creatively join a celebrity community role model in helping to build hope in our city.

Create your own online fundraising page at Firstgiving.com!

Thursday, March 15th, 2007 - Groundbreaking Ceremony for Stiles Street Houses Gather with sponsors, partner families, and Habitat supporters to celebrate the beginning of Habitat's first green building project! The ceremony begins at 2:00pm and is located at 4910 Stiles St. Philadelphia, PA 19131.

Saturday, March 31st, 2007 - Groundbreaking Ceremony for Thrivent Home Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony during a regular build day on March 31st for the house their organization is sponsoring. There will be a break in construction at 12:30pm for a brief ceremony at 2542 S. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19148. Come and help us celebrate this project underway in South Philadelphia!

Friday, April 27th, 2007 - Women's Build Benefit Habitat Philadelphia's Women's Build will be hosting a benefit on Friday, April 27th from 6:30 - 9 pm at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Vine Street. The evening boasts a silent auction, live entertainment, hors d' oeuvres, wine & beer and an opportunity to support these women who work hard to help build homes in Philadelphia. Tickets are $35. Visit our website for more information.

Saturday, May 19th, 2007 - Singles Build Date Welcome to an innovative kind of "date" for singles interested in meeting others with a similar passion for helping others and their community! A special volunteer build day will be reserved for this purpose which will include an evening afterparty at Joe Coffee Bar. Visit our website to register or for more information. If you are interested in being added to the sign-up list, please contact Larisa Forest at larisar@habitatphiladelphia.org.