Batavia Chamber celebrates first Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity home to be built in Batavia
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the groundbreaking for Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity's 68th home, which is the first one to be built in Batavia by the nonprofit organization. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 Independence Drive. Once completed, George and Janice Owino will be the homeowners.
Batavia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Margaret Perreault presided over the ceremony as emcee.
Prior to the shovel turn, those speaking included Jeffrey Barrett, CEO of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity and Mark Knox, treasurer.
Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke, along with state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, and Melinda Kintz of Batavia United Way also shared congratulatory statements, with Kintz announcing an $8,000 grant toward construction of the home.
Future homeowner Janice Owino spoke about her excitement when she learned that her and her husband were selected to own this house. She is patiently awaiting her husband's arrival from Kenya. His visa is delayed as U.S. embassies have suspended the issuance of visas because of the pandemic.
The major financial sponsors are Batavia Chamber members Steven and David McCormick, owners of First Centennial Mortgage in Aurora. In honor of their 25th anniversary, the company donated $175,000 to Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity to sponsor this home for the Owino family.
Other financial partners acknowledged were Batavia Chamber of Commerce members Jim and Cindy Cannella of Orange Home Services, Dennis Miltner of AAA Door Teks, as well as Doug and Jamie Saam of Bulldog Plumbing. Another chamber member, Gun Barrel Coffee, provided a variety of coffee choices for attendees on the chilly fall morning.
This home is one of four Habitat homes, which will be built on a half-acre parcel of land that used to be the site of a city of Batavia water tower. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is currently constructing two of the homes. It remains to be seen which Habitat organization will build on the last of the four lots.
For questions about in-kind donations or sponsorship, please call (630) 206-5038 or email b.zegiel@foxvalleyhabitat.org. To make a tax-deductible donation, Text HOMES to 243725.