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2016 Golden Hammer Awards

The Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity recently held its annual volunteer, donor, and homeowner recognition reception known as the Golden Hammer Awards.  This is a time to honor all of those who make it possible for Habitat to serve those in need of safe, decent, affordable housing in the counties of Prince Edward, Buckingham, Cumberland, and Charlotte.  Held at the historic Farmville Train Station, the evening began with a time of refreshments made possible by Carol Fields and volunteers from Farmville United Methodist Church.  The program began with words of introduction and special recognition of board members and staff by Executive Director Jayne Johnson and Board President Jennifer Cox.  Next came one of the highlights of the evening, a time of reflection by current Habitat homeowners.  Moderated by Sam Rabon, Habitat’s Community Outreach Director, homeowners shared stories of their Habitat journey with the audience.  The panel consisted of Larry and Phyllis Stokes, who built their home with Habitat in 1996, Cheryl Hamilton, who realized her dream of homeownership in 2005, and Lisa Scott-Hicks, whose home was recently dedicated.  After a time of laughter, joy, and some tears, the homeowner panel was followed by the presentation of awards.  These individuals and organizations were selected based on special impact they had made this past year supporting the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  Golden Hammer recipients in each category are listed below. The evening concluded with a montage of pictures highlighting the work done over the past year and looking forward to 2017.  Habitat is currently working with four partner families as they prepare for new home construction.  One build will begin in the weeks ahead in Dillwyn.  In Charlotte County, site of Habitat’s most recent partnership, work is underway on their first home repair with many others being assessed.  Sam Rabon noted the joy of celebrating while also calling for a renewed commitment in the year ahead as he closed the program with the question of, “What will you build in 2017?”