David Broyles | The News
Realty World spokesperson Sue Cocca (far right) and Habitat for Humanity representatives Sheree Russo, Greg Russo and Sandra Richards discuss plans for a special addition to the ongoing fundraiser. Realty World will match Fox Ridge Farms 10 percent donation to Habitat on every tree sold Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Donations to Habitat will also be accepted.
David Broyles | The News
Fox Ridge Tree Farms representative Mark Cox ties up another tree after one is sold. The farm is donating 10 percent of every tree sale to Habitat for Humanity during a Christmas tree sale which began Nov. 12. The Ashe County farm is owned by Darren Miller.
A cooperative effort between Habitat for Humanity, Fox Ridge Tree Farms and Realty World is offering Christmas trees to bring into the home to help raise money for Habitat.
Greater Mount Airy Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors Chairman Sandra Richards said the fundraiser began on Nov.12 and will continue through Dec. 15 if sales remain strong. She said several hundred trees have been sold so far, with trucks sometimes delivering from Fox Ridge farm (in Ashe County) twice daily.
“The response has been really fantastic,” said Richards. “We just want to get the word out about this fundraiser.” Fox Ridge is also donating two trees that will be in houses in Dobson the group is finishing for two families. Richards said the dedication for these homes is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Realty World spokesperson Sue Cocca said the firm will sponsor the event this Saturday and match every 10 percent donation of Fox Ridge Tree Farms to Habitat for every tree purchased between the hours of 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cocca said free hot chocolate, cookies, calenders and candy canes will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday as well. She said this is the first time Realty World has been involved in a tree sale.
The tree sale is located in the former Blockbuster Video parking lot in Mount Airy.
“This is a win-win situation,” said Richards. “Fox Ridge is a family operation and their providing these trees to us for sale helps them and helps us. We’ve had a lot of people come here and say they wouldn’t have had a tree if they couldn’t have found it at our price.”
The trees are Frazier Firs and are priced at $20 each, regardless of size. The trees range in height from 5-9 feet tall. Richards also recognized Rick Vaughn of Granite City Development for making the parking lot available for the group to use for the tree sale.
Habitat for Humanity Financial Director Sheree Russo stressed that Habitat is “not a house giveaway.”
“These deserving families that participate in Habitat for Humanity have a mortgage like everyone else,” said Russo. “They get a 25-30 year mortgage managed by Habitat and make payments. They also have to contribute 150 hours of their own labor on someone else’s house through Habitat in addition to working 100 hours on their own future home.”
Contact David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.
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