EVENING OF GIVING

On Thursday, November 5th, the Home Builders Association Remodelers Council and the Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation raised $61,000 for the HBA Charitable Foundation. This money will will help support the two main initatives the HBA Charitable Foundation has dedicated their time and energy to in 2020.

First, the Foundation is renovating two low-income houses in the Kendall-Whittier neighbhood with the goal of providing undeserved families with safe and secure living conditions. Second, the HBA Charitable Foundation has helped launch the Union Construction Academy Intro to Construcion course to help students learn about careers in the trade industry.

A special thank you to our 2020 Evening of Giving Chair, Carrie DeWeese for helping us make this event a success. We also want to thank every attendee for their generosity and donations. We would not be able to put on a successful event without you.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS: BRONZE SPONSORS:

• TulsaPeople • Tulsa Winnelson • Forest Ridge/Robson

Companies • Grant Homes Remodel & Restoration PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR: • ZFG Mortgage

EVENING OF GIVING

HBA Ryal School Tradition THE JOY YOU GIVE TO OTHERS IS THE JOY THAT COMES BACK TO YOU

Unfortunately, the 2020 Ryal School Christmas Party scheduled on December 10 was a casualty of the coronavirus, but the generosity of HBA sponsors has made Christmas bright for 63 Ryal students now restricted to distance learning as a result of an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases affecting school district families.

Even before classes were restricted to distance learning the HBA knew that the Christmas celebration would continue. Following discussions with Ryal administrators and faculty, however, it became evident that transporting students to and from Tulsa, and shopping and gathering with HBA members during the pandemic was ill-advised. As a result, the HBA looked to its past for direction.

Everyone knows that Santa Claus loads his sleigh with toys and gifts for children. Once upon a time, HBA’s own Santa Claus, Olen Creekmore, delivered a truckload of bicycles to Ryal students in Henryetta. Coats and jackets are a seasonal necessity and have been a gift selection

In 2020, toys and gifts for Ryal students were transported direct to students in Henryetta. Toys were specifically selected for Pre-K to 8th grade students that support science, technology, engineering, and science (STEM) learning concepts and building skills outside of the classroom. Distance learning provides teachers with the opportunity to assist students in thinking of new and interesting ways to learn while at play. Ryal students also received a zip-up jacket in their school colors (blue/white) embroidered with the school logo.

The jackets were so appealing to Ryal faculty members that they, too, purchased jackets in a show of school pride to students and the community-at-large. Student gift and jacket distribution began on December 15.

While this certainly wasn’t the ideal way to celebrate the annual event that so many HBA members consider the kick-off to the Christmas season, it was a reasonable solution to an impossible situation. With the promise of a vaccine now available, our plans are to host a celebratory pizza party for students at their school when advisable so that this Ryal tradition continues.