Aurora Home Up for Grabs as Home for the Holidays Tops $1.1 Million

A new house in Aurora is the grand prize in this year’s A Home for the Holidays raffle. The annual event also passed a major fundraising milestone. Organizers announced it has raised more than $1.1 million for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana and the Build Trades Foundation. The total reflects six seasons of work by sponsors, volunteers, donors and partner organizations. The Aurora House Simcon Homes built this year’s home in the Iris Place Subdivision in Aurora. It is valued at $650,000. Tickets cost $100 each and went on sale this month. Buyers who purchase a ticket this month get an added chance to win a Nature Stone floor and a K-bana from Timin and Co. Tickets are available at www.ahomefortheholidays.org. The winning ticket brings a sizable cash prize or the house. A Milestone Six Seasons in the Making Last year, the event raised more than $200,000 for each organization. It also produced a $261,000 cash prize for one lucky winner. Builders from the Greater Cleveland area donate their services to build the home each year. Last year’s home in Richfield was built by Parkview Homes, Edgewood Homes, Mancuso Homes, JEMM Construction and Petro Homes. Organizers said they are especially grateful to those builders. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the community’s compassion and the power of partnerships,” said Brenda Callaghan, Executive Director of Home for the Holidays. “We’re grateful to everyone who made this possible.” Where the Money Goes Proceeds come from raffle ticket sales and product donations from vendors involved in building the house. The money supports two causes. Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana uses its share to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses across the three states. Julie Miller, CEO of the organization, thanked supporters. “We are so thankful for the supporters of Home for the Holidays,” Miller said. “These gifts help transform the lives of wish kids and their families during the most difficult times.” The Build Trades Foundation puts its share toward training, scholarships and workforce development programs. Foundation Chair Rob Myers said the partnership matters for people entering the skilled trades. “This partnership helps build both hope and livelihoods,” Myers said. About the Organizations Home for the Holidays is a community fundraising initiative that brings together businesses, volunteers and residents to support charitable partners. Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana creates life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Build Trades Foundation supports workforce development, training and educational programs for careers in construction and the skilled trades. Frequently Asked Questions Where is the Home for the Holidays house located? This year’s house is in the Iris Place Subdivision in Aurora, Ohio. Simcon Homes built it. How much is the Aurora house worth? The house is valued at $650,000. How much are Home for the Holidays raffle tickets? Tickets are $100 each. They can be purchased at www.ahomefortheholidays.org. Who benefits from the Home for the Holidays raffle? Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana and the Build Trades Foundation share the proceeds. The first grants wishes for children with critical illnesses. The second supports training and workforce development in the skilled trades. Is there a bonus prize for buying a ticket early? Yes. Buyers who purchase a ticket this month get an added chance to win a Nature Stone floor and a K-bana from Timin and Co.