by Rick Bozarth
The OBA has committed to raising $65,000 to sponsor the Jim F. Gassaway Justice House in partnership with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, we are steadily moving toward that goal. But raising funds is only part of our commitment. We also have the opportunity to volunteer our time and labor to actually build the house; and volunteers will have the greatest opportunity to observe the changes and improvements that their individual efforts make to the project.
Construction is scheduled to begin on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2005 in Spencer, a community in the eastern Oklahoma City metro area. Building days begin shortly before 9 a.m. and generally end around 3 p.m. You’ll get a midday hour for lunch. The house will be completed in just 14 total work days, spread over several Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Completion is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2005 – after a mere six weeks!
No skills or experience are necessary to volunteer for this endeavor. The only requirement is a willingness to work alongside your fellow bar members while being guided by the experienced build supervisors from Habitat for Humanity. If you have a shady hat, sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes and gloves you are set to work.
The Habitat for Humanity volunteers I have talked to say this is great and fulfilling fun for all involved. If you have specific interests in what you want to do on this project, or if you were a sheetrock installer in an earlier life, then check out the accompanying schedule and pick out a day or days that you want to volunteer. This could be your opportunity to be the carpet layer you’ve always wanted to be.
So come and work with your fellow lawyers on a project that is good for your body and not too hard on your brain. I have the privilege of coordinating our volunteer scheduling. You, your friends, law firm or group are all welcome to volunteer (all volunteers must be at least 16 years old). E-mail me at rick.bozarth@lawoklahoma.com to sign up. Just put “Justice House” in the subject line, and I will get you set up to work on this worthy endeavor. You can also complete the volunteer form that accompanies this article. I need to know the dates you want to work, as well as names, e-mail addresses and mobile phone numbers of all participants. I will contact you to remind you of your scheduled day so you won't forget. Saturdays may be the easiest for some, but working on a weekday will also free you up for football.
And the result of all this work? A home for a family that otherwise could not afford a home – our contribution to the American dream. So don't delay – the best dates will go fast!
One final important note: as of Aug. 10, we had received $29,883 of the $65,000 needed to build this house. Full details on how to contribute tax-deductible funds to this project are available here. Please do it now. Ours is a serving profession and this is an excellent opportunity for us as lawyers to do good, not for ourselves but for those who desire their piece of the American dream, a home of their own.
Click to view the construction schedule and driving directions. |
