[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 11 (Thursday, January 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E99-E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S 10TH ANNUAL HEARTS & 
                              HAMMERS GALA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 22, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris 
Habitat for Humanity, located in Randolph, New Jersey as it celebrates 
30 years of building homes and changing lives.
  Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit housing organization founded in 
1976, implements Christian principles in the pursuit of building homes, 
communities, and hope. This organization wholeheartedly believes that 
every man, woman, and child should have a home that is safe and 
dignified. The members of Habitat for Humanity strive to achieve this 
goal every day, and are important members of every community.
  For 30 years, members of the Morris Habitat for Humanity have 
selflessly worked toward ensuring that those people in need of housing 
assistance receive help. Officially created in October 1985, Habitat 
for Humanity's Morris County branch operated in the center of 
Morristown with a single computer and a phone. Its several founding 
members began to investigate the housing situation of Morristown, and 
learned the processes of selecting families for assistance. Since then, 
Morris Habitat for Humanity has successfully completed building over 60 
houses in New Jersey and more than 140 houses in other countries. The 
members of this group voluntarily offer their time and efforts to 
ensure that any person seeking help, regardless of religious 
affiliation, may realize the American dream of homeownership.
  This organization's most current project, in collaboration with the 
Morris County Affordable Housing Corporation, aims to construct a five-
plex containing two 3-bedroom and three 2-bedroom townhomes on Carlton 
Street in Morris Township, New Jersey. These townhomes will be sold to 
low- and moderate-incomes households, and will feature the latest 
ENERGY STAR technology. In order to select families for this housing 
project, the Morris Habitat for Humanity uses a lottery system. 
Currently, the project is set for completion in December, 2015.
  To celebrate 30 successful years of improving the housing situation 
for many members of the local community, the Morris Habitat for 
Humanity will host its 10th Annual Hearts & Hammers Gala on Saturday, 
February 28th, 2015 at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, New Jersey. 
The Gala will feature dinner, a silent auction, wine pull, awards, and 
live music. All proceeds will be used to further the Morris Habitat for 
Humanity's mission of building affordable housing for those families in 
need.
  At this year's Gala, the Morris Habitat for Humanity will honor 
Richard A. Sleece, President of Richard A. Sleece Associates, with the 
Founders Award, Ruth Ryan, Vice President of Chubb Insurance, with the 
Beth Everett Award, and Rick Ostberg, former ReStore Director, with the 
ReStore Pioneer Award.
  I commend the members of the Morris Habitat for Humanity, especially 
Executive Director Blair Schleicher Bravo, for their dedication to 
improving the lives of many Morris County

[[Page E100]]

residents. Habitat for Humanity has consistently demonstrated a 
dedication and commitment to advancing our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Morris Habitat for Humanity as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

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