Although producers have not announced the name of the winning family or where the build will take place, Bellamy Homes has been named the lead builder. Several finalists in the greater Charlotte area were considered for the build, including one in the Lake Norman area, and in December, one lucky family will get a knock on their door from team leader Ty Pennington and the show's design team.
The volunteers are needed for general labor, food servers and clean-up workers, as well as skilled trade professionals.
"We are committed to serving our community and grateful to be in a position to help a very deserving family in the greater Charlotte area," says Frank Hereda, co-owner of Bellamy Homes. "With the help of thousands of volunteers, we'll build a new home for a family in need."
Adds Bellamy Homes co-owner Wade Miller, "I know the greater Charlotte area has a long, distinguished history of helping others,. I'm confident in our community's willingness to contribute to this cause – it's an ambitious project, and we'll need the help of thousands of volunteers to get it done."
The project will be completed in one week, and all products and labor will be donated by partnering trades and suppliers. The show will air next year with a two-hour special broadcast on ABC.
Bellamy Homes is a Charlotte-based semi-custom builder, currently building homes from the low $200,000s in the Berewick community in southwest Charlotte, in Triveny Commons in Ballantyne starting in the high $200,000s; from the $270,000 in Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club in Denver, and Salem Springs in Denver from the low $200,000s.
Soup kitchen needs gifts for needy kids
Sandy Tilley and her band of volunteer elves do more than provide a holiday meal for those in need at Huntersville Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen. Each Christmas season, they also hold a party for kids to enjoy a visit from Santa. Through Dec. 23, the soup kitchen near the corner of N.C. 115 and Ramah Church Road is accepting donations of new and gently used, unwrapped toys and gifts for children from infant to age 12. They will be distributed at a party on Friday, Dec. 23.
Children will be invited by age group to select one gift at a time, and if years past are any indication, each of them will walk away with three or four presents.
"Last year, one of the children was amazed they actually got to take the gifts home with them," says Tilley. "He thought he had to play with them here. Another was excited he got to go back and select more than one gift. He said, 'You mean I can get another one?'"
Tilley expects to host at least 150 children at this year's party. To donate, drop off gifts at the soup kitchen next to Friendship United Methodist Church Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Lt. Gov. candidate speaks to NMRW
Dan Forest, a Republican candidate for North Carolina lieutenant governor, will be the keynote speaker at the North Mecklenburg Republican Women's dinner meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at NorthStone Country Club. All men and women are invited.
Forest will discuss the social and economic issues challenging North Carolina and how, as lieutenant governor, he would address them. He has more than 23 years of experience as a business leader, architect and entrepreneur. He is the son of U.S. Congresswoman Sue Myrick.
For reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The cost is $20 cash or check, payable at the door. Registration begins at 6 p.m., buffet dinner at 6:30. NorthStone Country Club is at 15801 NorthStone Drive in Huntersville..
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month. Visit NMRW on Facebook for more information about the club and upcoming events.
Cornelius needs TSAC member
The Town of Cornelius is seeking a Cornelius resident to serve on the Transit Services Advisory Committee (TSAC). The TSAC reviews, makes recommendations and provides input into short-range transit operations, focusing on day-to-day operations of the transit service to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Cornelius residents are encouraged to apply, especially those who use public transit services. Appointments are for two-year terms.
For more information visit http://www.cornelius.org/.
Peninsula event for McDonald House
Cookie-baking divas and card-playing studs will combine their efforts in early December to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
The fifth annual "Cookies for a Cause" divas-only cookie bash will be united this year with the inaugural "Chips for a Cause" gentlemen's poker game will all proceeds from all the evening's events helping support Ronald McDonald House services for families coping with a child's illness.
The event will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius starting at 6:30 p.m. All ladies planning to participate in the "diva" gathering must bring a plate of cookies and a gently used coat to donate to Steve's Coats for Kids.
The gentlemen's card game will begin at 7 p.m. and those planning to take part need to register by 6 p.m. Gentlemen will be invited to to join the ladies at the after-hours party in the main ballroom starting at 10 p.m. Racing industry entrepreneur Ray Evernham will be the guest speaker for the evening's activities.
To become a sponsor, purchase tickets or learn more about the charity gala, visit www.cookies4acause.com.
Sponsors for the event include Lake Norman Chrysler, Dixie Dean/Allen Tate, ACN Inc., Harborview Plastic Surgery and Neurology, Sam's Mart, Crubo.com, Guice Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and MI-Connection along with support from the Pressley, LeTarte, Griffin, Larsen and Olsen families.
Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte provides living quarters and other services for families of children undergoing medical treatment. The facility allows families to stay together and spend time together between medical procedures.
Mugg given Barrows Award from LNWC
The annual Jerry L. Barrows Osprey Award was recently given to volunteer Bill Mugg by the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists, a local chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation. Mugg, a resident of Cornelius, received this honor "in recognition of his steadfast dedication to such environmental initiatives as island cover board project leader, turtle-basking platform coordinator, water willow planting participant, and as board member and founder of the LNWC," said Tim Gestwicki, NCWF executive director.
Mugg's efforts were recognized at the Lake Norman Wildlife Festival held at the North Harbor Club in Davidson where LNWC members and friends gathered to celebrate the national certification of the entire lake region as a wildlife habitat.
"I was thrilled to receive this award," Mugg said. "But I have to say that there are at least three other people who I think are more deserving of it than me. I look back on the last five years of this chapter and it's amazing what we've accomplished. That's a strong testament to the current and past LNWC leadership, and the NCWF leadership. They do a great job."
The award is given in honor of longtime volunteer Jerry Barrows and his hard work on Lake Norman's islands. "Jerry was an inspiring person who gained the trust and support of the scientists and lake personnel at Duke Energy, the angling community, and everybody associated with our conservation organization," said Gestwicki.
Barrows, who died in 2009, had a special affinity for ospreys and all other wild creatures that make the lake and its islands their home. He oversaw the popular Island Habitat program, where volunteers adopt, clean refuse and manage islands for wildlife, which in turn led to other programs such as youth fishing events, osprey platform projects and the launch of LNWC itself.
For more information about the LNWC, contact Sid Smith at 704-894-5686 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
— Staff
