A family reunion with a twist

Family reunions are special, especially one with a twist.

Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka recently held its first-ever Habitat Homeowner Family Reunion. The festivities took place at FINFROCK, filling an outdoor courtyard with people, music, food, fun, games, and prizes. Not only did the Apopka-headquartered, design-build contractor open its doors, but their staffers and special volunteer Frank (the super-sweet French Bulldog) helped to host the entire afternoon. 

Habitat CEO Penny Seater welcomed the crowd, emphasizing that the nonprofit wants to stay in contact as a resource for the growing family of homeowners. Cheering a recent triumph, she congratulated longtime owner Cheryl Perkins for paying off her mortgage this past year (complete with a “mortgage burning” in September). What an accomplishment!

The happy guests connected with neighbors, reconnected with the owners of homes they helped build, met newer Habitat homeowners and shared their successes. Some were excited to tell their stories on videotape, which would be posted over the months on Habitat’s social media.

The fun began with a bingo-style “getting to know you” game, in which homeowners filled in the blocks with names of those who have lived in their home for over five years, have taken a cruise, are reality TV junkies, hate chocolate, have grandkids, have been skydiving, and more. The prizes sure sparked some friendly competition!  

No reunion can be successful without activities for kids of all ages, and the day did not disappoint. Coloring sheets, word games, corn hole, ladder toss, and other games kept the youngsters busy as they cuddled their cute stuffed animal prizes. The grownups got to guess the number of nails in a jar and vie for popular gifts and gift certificates, such as a $100 Amazon card.  

By far the neatest kids perk of the day was the child-sized plastic hard hats provided by FINFROCK. This generous Habitat supporter also underwrote the delicious barbeque lunch prepared by Momma’s Pantry, donated prizes for the chance drawing, and took guests on golf-cart tours of their headquarters. Executive VP of Marketing, Shanda Lee, said the company is looking to hire women interested in the construction field. Know anyone?

Seminole County Habitat homeowners celebrated as well, as they were closer to home. They partied at Sanford’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and a good time was had by all. Similar activities and prizes were offered. 

To double the fun next year, the Habitat Seminole-Apopka family will celebrate together in one location. After all, the more, the merrier, especially for these hardworking Habitat homeowners. Visit HabitatSeminoleApopka.org to learn more or to donate.

All photos courtesy of Frinfrock / Habitat for Humanity of Apopka-Seminole.