We came: We Built: We helped make Dreams Come True
On Sunday September 8, 2002 sixty-two Chapter members rolled into Great Bend, Kansas in thirty-two motor coaches to begin construction on the Fischer House. Over the next three weeks a total of 98 Chapter volunteers, including seven members of FMCA National Executive Committee and their spouses, participated in completing that house, advancing construction on the affiliate's first house, which has been under construction since May in a nearby town, and performing construction projects in conjunction with the local RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), in addition to attending Building Workshops and tours of local attractions.
In just 17 days Chapter volunteers built the Fischer House from foundation to completion, with only the heating/AC, plumbing, electrical and carpet being farmed out to tradesmen. According to Larry and Alice Clarke, Chapter charter members and veterans of HfH dedication ceremonies, "Friday's ceremony was the best, most moving, dedication we have attended."
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The welcome we received from the Great Bend community was overwhelming. Local church and civic groups, businesses and individuals provided lunch every day at the worksites and sponsored evening events. Local businesses offered discounts and the city provided electric and a place to park our motor coaches.
The people of Great Bend appreciated our being there.
The Fischer House build accomplished much more than simply building a house. As usual, enduring bonds developed with the partner family, the Newsome's, who worked shoulder to shoulder with us from start to finish. Awareness of and support for the HfH mission skyrocketed.
The participation of the FMCA National Officers and the rededication ceremony at the convention gained immeasurable support from FMCA members and their chapters, generating several thousand dollars in donations at the convention.
As is usually the case, this build was a definite win, win, win situation. Dreams came true for everyone involved. Let's do it again next fall in Cincinnati!
More Pictures from the build:
