by record proceeds donated to charity. Last year’s beneficiaries were the Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and HomeAid Houston. This banner year was a result of Benefit Homes built by both Trendmaker and Village Builders, sold earlier in 2010 and a third Benefit Home, by Westin Homes that is in the closing process. The charities will receive a combined amount totaling over a half million dollars.


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Every year, two to three homes are built with donated materials, labor and services by GHBA members. The homes represent some of the most luxurious designs available on the market and are built in prime communities throughout the Houston area. The builders donate their construction management and developers donate the homesites. The homes are sold at market value and include a broad array of amenities and upgrades. The majority of the proceeds always benefit Houston charities. In 2010, Trendmaker Homes built its home in The Woodlands, Village Builders built their home in Kingwood, and Westin Homes built its home in Discovery at Spring Trails.


Kicking off the 2011 Benefit Homes Project is Newmark Homes. The home will be built in Towne Lake on a homesite donated by the developer of the community, Caldwell Companies. Newmark is adding a fourth charity to the list of beneficiaries for 2011. A lead gift to the 100 Club Survivors Fund is being given by Newmark Homes in the amount of $30,000 in honor of Deputy JD Norsworthy.


Considering the success of the Benefit Homes Project, it becomes obvious how generous Houston’s homebuilding industry is and has been for the past three decades. Even during the toughest years, when oil prices plunged in the '80s, and in the midst of the financial market challenges over the past two years, GHBA members continue to give of themselves to improve the lives of those less fortunate. At the end of the fundraiser’s 30th year, more than $6 million has been raised for charity.


u PHOTO ONE: Westin's Benefit Home family room.


u PHOTO TWO: Benefit Home by Village Builders and Friendswood Development.


u PHOTO THREE: Trendmaker's construction team prepares to break ground on their 2010 Benefit Home in The Woodlands.


u PHOTO FOUR: Entryway into Canyon Gate Community Discovery at Spring Trails.


he 30th anniversary of the Benefit Homes Project, a Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) charity, was marked


Benefit Homes Project Ends 2010 with Half Million Dollar Donation to Charity


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Westin constructed their Benefit Home on a homesite donated by Land Tejas the developer of the community.


u PHOTO FIVE: Oakhurst Golf Club


u PHOTO SIX: The Woodlands entryway featuring a bronze sculpture by Edd Hayes.


u PHOTO SEVEN: Village Builder closes Benefit Home after celebrating at their Design Center with the homebuyers and sales team.


24 FEBRUARY 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


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