Habitat Taos Thanks You

Habitat for Humanity of Taos gives a heartfelt thank you for making our fifth annual “A Taos Experience” fundraiser such a fun success.

We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors, participating artists, taste sponsors, the talented musical entertainment, our volunteers and the attendees.

The proceeds enable us to continue building homes and hope in Taos County.

We also appreciate the wonderful exposure that the Taos News gave us with a front page article, including a great picture of the Habitat partner family — the Valencias — and the editorial piece written in the same edition (Aug. 5, 2010).

But a correction does need to be made. Both pieces incorrectly stated that Habitat for Humanity International partially funds Habitat Taos. Most people believe we get funding from International, when, in fact, we are required to tithe 10 percent of our undesignated funds back to them to build globally.

With our tithe we have helped to build 10 homes in Mexico. We raise 100 percent of our own funding to build the Habitat homes here in Taos.

One additional misconception is that we have 100 percent of the funds raised before we begin a home. We actually raise the money as work progresses on the home.

The Valencia home in Questa, the 27th home, is close to completion. You can visit our website photo gallery to see the progress at www.taoshabitat.org. Or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BuildTaos.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the fundraiser a great event. We hope to see you or hear from you soon.

The Habitat for Humanity of Taos office can be reached at (575) 758-7827 or the Habitat ReStore at (575) 776-2165.

Cynthia Arvidson is the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Taos.