Depot helps raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

Home Channel News, Nov 22, 1999

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A dedication ceremony was held here last month for the first of more than 100 Habitat for Humanity houses that will be built from funds raised through Home Depot's two-year sponsorship of NASCAR.

The world's largest home improvement retailer is joining with NASCAR, Action Performance Companies, Joe Gibbs Racing, Pontiac and driver Tony Stewart to raise more than $4 million for Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that provides home ownership opportunities for low-income families.

As part of the fund-raising effort, Home Depot is selling in all its stores special NASCAR merchandise, from collectable die-cast cars to apparel and other souvenir items. The proceeds of these sales go to Habitat.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Home Depot and NASCAR to join together in a way that can truly make a difference in the lives of others," said Arthur Blank, Home Depot's CEO. "One of Home Depot's core values is fulfilling our commitment to 'give back' to the communities where we live and work. It's part of our culture."

David Williams, senior vp for Habitat for Humanity International, said the Home Depot/NASCAR effort has the potential to become the largest single donation in the organization's history.

NASCAR's chief operating officer; Mike Helton, and Winston Cup team owner Joe Gibbs joined Blank and volunteers from Home Depot and Habitat for the dedication. Charlotte-area Home Depot volunteers and representatives from NASCAR -- including Gibbs and Stewart -- donned tool aprons to help build the first Habitat house for new homeowners Michael Baucom, fiancee Beverly Little and daughters Essence, 5, and Mickeala, 3.