PGA wives to help Habitat for Humanity
Members of the PGA Tour Wives Association will appear in Uniontown on Tuesday to lend a hand to Habitat for Humanity of Fayette County. “They’ll be there late morning on Tuesday. They will work on the walls and the roof will be put on so they’ll have the house under roof,’ said Jeff Nobers, media director for the 84 Lumber Classic, which will be held Sept. 15-18 at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington.
Ann Spencer, assistant tournament director, said about 30 wives are expected to participate in building a house on Faith Drive in Uniontown. Player Jerry Kelly of Madison, Wis., is also expected to join the work crew.
The wives will be working on the second of three Habitat houses planned for Faith Drive, the site of the former Whyel School located off Gallatin Avenue.
The first house, which is still under construction, has been designated for Sherry Williams, a substitute teacher in the Laurel Highlands and Albert Gallatin school districts. Williams’ house is the result of a partnership called Uniontown Lions/Habitat that includes Habitat for Humanity, Fayette County; Uniontown Lions Club and Lions Club International. The Lions Club is participating in funding for two houses.
84 Lumber is contributing to the construction of another house on Faith Drive, the one in which the PGA Tour Wives will be working.
“We donated $15,000 in materials necessary to construct the house,’ said Nobers.
Nobers said 84 Lumber has a long history of working with Habitat for Humanity.
“So far this year, we’ve donated in excess of $2.5 million in materials and cash to Habitat for Humanity on a national basis,’ said Nobers.
Members of the Nemacolin Ladies League, a non-profit organization composed of spouses or female associates who work at Nemacolin Woodlands, will also be on hand Tuesday. The league has been helping the Fayette affiliate of Habitat for Humanity for several months now.
“I think the program is a good way to get housing for people,’ said Christine Schreiner, league president. “I like that people help build their own house. It allows them to feel more committed to the community and responsible. Watching Sherry and her family build alongside us is great. It’s a nice feeling that we’re doing something for the community.’
The PGA Tour Wives Association and the PGA Tour are also known for their work for charity.
The PGA Tour Wives Association is a Florida-based, nonprofit corporation that works to assist needy children and their families through charitable events. Last year during the 84 Lumber Classic, the wives toured Fayette County Community Action and visited with members of the Uniontown Senior Citizens Center.
The PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour events have donated more than $900 million to charity since 1938 and are expected to reach the $1 billion figure by 2006.
John Morgan, affiliate development for Habitat for Humanity, said, “While our thoughts and prayers remain with all the victims of Hurricane Katrina, we are grateful to the PGA Wives and all other volunteers and partners taking part in this local Habitat build.’
Morgan added, “A special thanks to 84 Lumber, the 84 Lumber Classic, the Nemacolin Ladies League, Uniontown Industrial Equipment, and Ed ‘The Mason’ and his crew from Allen Sherwood Homes in Pittsburgh.’
He noted that volunteers are still needed this Saturday to continue work on the Williams house and make certain everything is ready for the PGA Tour Wives visit this Tuesday.
Dee John, president of the board of directors for Habitat of Humanity of Fayette County, said, “Habitat for Humanity of Fayette County feels truly ‘blessed’ and excited about the PGA wives participating in our second Faith Drive build. Given the frantic and hectic schedule these ladies have during the 84 Lumber Classic, it is a testament to their caring and ‘spirit’ that they have given up some of their time to participate with us. This is the type of partnering Habitat inspires all over the country.
“Especially now, after Hurricane Katrina, Habitat will be a large part of the rebuilding and housing effort for the displayed families in Louisiana, Mississippi – the entire Gulf Coast Area. Those of us here affiliated with Habitat will continue to do our small part to make decent, affordable housing available to needy families. I do hope that local individuals, churches, organizations will find it in their hearts to volunteer with us or sponsor a home. We need volunteers and partners. Please call our office at 724-437-4150 and volunteer today or find out how you can help.’