Alexander Students Working Hard to Do Good for a Veteran

A group of motivated student leaders at Alexander High School are working hard to raise $90,000 to build a home for a veteran in the Spring with Habitat for Humanity. What better way to honor service and sacrifice this Veteran's Day?

Sutton Cadman, a sophomore at Alexander High School, saw an opportunity to make a difference in the community, so he initiated the founding of a new chapter of Habitat for Humanity at his school. He quickly enlisted a group of other community-minded peers to help: Cameran Callicott, Anna Caputo, Gracie Chaves, Mylee Ward, and Carson Hucks. The chapter is growing with about 15 other members. Mrs. Debbie Rager, English Department Chair at Alexander, is sponsoring the group's work. "What impresses me about this group is they truly believe in the principle: 'Be the change you want to see in the world'," says Rager.

The student-led group has been hard at work and has already raised over $15,000 since mid-August through private and corporate donations and fundraising activities. The group has received a match for up to $5000 from a local benefactor as well. The chapter recently submitted a local grant and has plans to submit others as well, with companies and organizations supporting community based initiatives, especially student-led ones. The funds will go towards building the 4th home in Veteran's Place, a community off of Chicago Avenue, built exclusively for veterans and their families.

The group is not alone in their efforts. The chapter has gotten community support from organizations and businesses such as: The American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Modern Woodmen of America, Integrated Construction and Mobility, Inc., Chapel Hills Golf Club, Bentwater Golf Club, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. They continue to seek additional corporate and non-profit sponsors.

Beyond financial contributions, the chapter has received other support that will ensure its success. As an affiliate of NW Metro Habitat for Humanity, the group has received guidance from Jessica Gill, President and CEO and Felicia Alingu, Director of Community Impact and are gaining valuable experience and volunteer opportunities by participating in other builds led by NW Metro Habitat. Alexander's chapter leaders are also learning from community mentors such as Jimmy Haddle, Frank Moran, and Leslie Choo, who are guiding the group as they learn how to organize and drive a community based initiative. Says Frank Moran about the reason for his involvement with the project, "We are serving those who served." Jimmy Haddle adds, “I have been active in Habitat for Humanity for well over 20 years. Most of the publicity one sees in the media shows the construction of the house. That is the easy part. The most difficult part of bringing a house to fruition is raising the money to actually build it. The challenge these students have accepted to raise the $90,000 construction cost is daunting. However, I have no doubt they will be successful because each of them has the one true ingredient needed to be successful.....a servant’s heart.”

Habitat is dedicated to ensuring a quality, safe home for all by providing a hand up, not a hand out. Qualified individuals receiving a Habitat home put in sweat equity for their build and other builds and take financial home ownership classes. The financing for a Habitat home comes with a no-interest mortgage, low monthly payments, and a small down payment, making it accessible to many who could otherwise not afford to own a home.

To support the student's work and to honor a veteran, you can contribute in several ways:

• Make a tax-deductible donation at: Http://www.nwmetroatlantahabit...
• Bid on donated auction items: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r...
• Purchase 50/50 raffle tickets (drawing on 12/6 with up to a $5000 winning pot)
• Become a chapter sponsor: contact Sutton Cadman at suttonacadman@gmail.com
• Spread the word to veterans you know.

"It's a big challenge to raise this much money," says Sutton Cadman, "but with everyone in the community supporting us, I know we can do it. It's important work and a great cause!"