On its twentieth anniversary, HomeAid’s Project Playhouse
event is bigger than ever and is doing their part to raise
money and build shelters for the needy.
By Dani Smith
Whether its an apartment,
a starter, a move-up or a
custom home, the entire
premise of the housing
industry is based on
putting families in homes.
However, currently there are over one million
individuals that are without a shelter of their
own, according to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD). And while current
times are tough for the industry, it’s clear that
the housing industry is giving
back to those less fortunate,
using HomeAid’s annual
Project Playhouse to do so.
Celebrating its twentieth
anniversary this year,
HomeAid’s Project Playhouse
is an annual event where some
of the nation’s biggest and
most respected builders have
donated their time, resources
and craftsmanship to building and constructing
fantasy playhouses that are luxurious enough to
rival the property they will one day be placed on.
These playhouses are then auctioned off with the
proceeds donated to HomeAid and their mission
to shelter homeless men, women and children.
“This charity is as unique as the playhouses sold
in their annual Project Playhouse event,” said
Tara Morenc, director of purchasing for William
Lyon Homes. “It’s one of the few of it’s kind that
is actually a charity for charities. It encompasses
and aids a broad spectrum of groups that need
assistance and shelter, much like the diverse and
dynamic neighborhoods we build.”
Over the past 20 years, 74 builder teams
have participated in building 191 playhouses
resulting in over $6 million for HomeAid’s
mission. Because of this, HomeAid has been
able to build nearly 50 shelters for those in need.
The prestigious list of home
builders over the past two
decades is comprised of many
notable names including
William Lyon Homes, Shea
Homes, Standard Pacific,
K. Hovnanian, KB Home,
Pulte Group and the list
goes on and on. Of these 74
builders, the only builder to
participate every year since
the inception of Project Playhouse is William
Lyon Homes, with Shea Homes being the next
longest participating builder at 14 consecutive
years. “Project Playhouse is HomeAid’s signature
fundraiser and large source of the annual budget
of the organization,” explained Gina Scott,
director of development for HomeAid Orange
County. “Having a builder participate not only
allows for the event to continue each year, but
has helped HomeAid build nearly 50 shelters for
homeless men, women and children.”
Every year, the playhouses are crafted with
more than fine skills, they include fun and original
themes. Past years have included everything
from fire stations to pizza shops. “Imagination,
creativity and designing a playhouse that would
appeal to a wide audience is the challenge for
teams each year,” explained Scott. “Envisioning
something that you should see in your own
backyard that adds to the landscape will always
be a best in show.”
This year, the participating builder teams
include William Lyon Homes, Shea Homes in
partnership with Trade Partners, Nicholson
Companies and Team HomeAid; all building
uniquely-designed playhouses, each with their
own theme. The Nicholson Companies have
created “Little Diamond Head,” a Hawaiian
themed cozy cottage, complete with tiki torches
and a flat screen TV is a playhouse where
children can have a relaxing place to hang out
and unwind after school. HomeAid’s “Over the
Rainbow” cottage is homage to L. Fran
Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.” With an
upstairs and downstairs area to play,
this playhouse will make any child feel
like there’s no place like home. Shea
Homes, in partnership with Trade
Partners, decided to pay tribute to
the late Chuck Dreyer- the auctioneer
who passed in December of 2010 at age
72. The playhouse includes a sink, a
fireplace and a flat screen T.V. along
with two stories for children to enjoy
their time. Lastly, but not least, William
Lyon Homes crafted Sir Lyon’s Castle. A regal
playhouse complete with a fireplace and decking
that will make every girl feel like a princess and
every boy, a prince.
To celebrate it’s twentieth anniversary,
HomeAid will hold a gala and live auction for the
playhouses at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport
Beach, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2011. “We promise this
will be an evening that people will remember with
surprises and excitement throughout the evening
while raising money so we can provide housing
for homeless families and individuals,” said Scott.
The gala will also hold special opportunities
including the chance to win HomeAid’s Extreme
Kitchen Makeover complete with Kitchen Aid
appliances donated by Ferguson Companies, as
well as honoring Major General William Lyon for
his unyielding dedication to HomeAid over the
past two decades. “The special tribute to General
Lyon will be one of the evening’s highlights. For
the past two decades, his incredible generosity
and compassion have been a cornerstone of
Project Playhouse’s success and we are delighted
to honor him in this fashion at the anniversary
celebration,” said Scott Larson, Executive
Director at HomeAid Orange County.
For more information or to participate in the
live auction, please contact Gina Scott, director
of development, at 949.553.9510 or e-mail her at
gina@homeaidoc.org.
Dani Smith is an editor of Builder and Developer.
She may be contacted at dsmtih@penpubinc.com.
