The first of two Project Playhouse Pet Edition weekend events has concluded in Fontana. This 8th annual event was a fun and successful weekend. HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay had a total of  10 custom-built pet houses.
Among those participating in the build were Blake Roofing, Boudreau Pipeline, GreenBee Concrete, Hartter/Hooper, Holt Plastering, Lennar Inland Empire, Mon-May Framing, The Money Store, and West Coast Drywall.
Supporters who volunteered their weekend to assist included HAIE President and Boudreau Vice President of Operations Dave Reynolds (Dave built an awesome Quonset Hut, in tribute to the March Air Field Centennial), HAIE Board Director and GreenBee Concrete's Alisha Abrahamson (who built the Double Dutch pet house), Lennar Inland Empire's Todd Bourguignon, and a whole crew of Lennar folks - who not only built many of the other pet houses, but provided the muscle to get them to the winners' homes! HomeAid IE Administrative Assistant Taylor Tadlock, and Christopher Reay of Reay Design Studio also did their part.
Alisha not only cranked out ticket sales, but she got San Bernardino Fire Department ME 72 to stop by with one of their big, shiny engines, AND she brought along four teenage volunteers who sold tickets, twirled directional signs, and were just all-around help with anything needed.
Our blog image shows Alisha with her young helpers. 

One of the most anticipated HomeAid Inland Empire events is Full Bellies, Warm Hearts!
​HAIE Executive Director Julie Reay shares the following...
Upwards of 200 backpacks full of school supplies for children were distributed, plus back-to-school shoes and clothes! 100+ moms and kids enjoyed a day of fun, food, face-painting, a petting zoo, professionally-taken portrait prints, and more at Veronica's Home of Mercy in San Bernardino.
Valley Restart Shelter in Hemet was presented with back-to-school supplies-filled backpacks, shoes, clothes, and gift cards to Chuck-E-Cheese.
Two dozen volunteers from HomeAid Inland Empire board members and affiliated companies helped to make the day fun filled and run smoothly.
Shout out to the following for their tireless efforts: Red Robin Restaurants, Boudreau Pipeline, HMC Architects, Meridian Land Development, Lennar Homes, GreenBee Concrete, Rilington Group, Berkshire Hathaway Realty, Pacific Dimensions, Charles Hilton Photography, and Reay Design Studio.

A grant in the amount of $33,411.09 was presented to HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay from The Kroger Company Zero Hunger / Zero Waste Foundation, their generous customers, and Ralphs and Food 4 Less Operating Divisions.
Kroger is deeply committed to help drive positive change in our communities. During the 1st quarter of 2019, Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery stores held a coin canister drive to collect loose change to support hunger relief programs for homeless shelters throughout Southern California.
The Zero Hunger / Zero Waste social impact program is invested in ending hunger in the places we call home, and eliminate waste across their company by 2025.
On hand with Julie were HomeAid Inland Empire President Dave Reynolds of Boudreau Pipeline Corporation, Building Industry Association Riverside County Chapter CEO Bill Blankenship, and John Votava, Corporate Affairs, Ralphs, a Division of The Kroger Company.

HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay was happy to accept a donation from FirstService Residential.
​HAIE President Dave Reynolds was on-hand, along with Member-at-Large Brian King. Representing FirstService Residential were Hallie Kirkingburg (Business Development Manager), Christy Towner (Regional Manager), Rebecca Wiest (Regional Manager), and David Swayze (Team Manager).

One of HomeAid Inland Empire's significant supporters, Lennar, was on-hand at the City of Menifee Independence Celebration Parade helping to promote the upcoming HAIE 8th Annual Project Playhouse Pet Edition events.
Lennar had a float carrying multiple pet houses they have built for the events, and included marchers carrying a Project Playhouse Pet Edition banner. AND, the Lennar / HomeAid Inland Empire float WON Best Overall Patriotic Award!
Many, many Lennar associates volunteered for the parade; And trade partners who assisted in the building of pet houses included Andrew Lauren, The Mon-May Company, West Coast Painting, Blake Roofing, Talley Metal, and Temeka Group.
Two HAIE Project Playhouse Pet Edition events will be held in September. The 21-22 event will be at Sierra Lakes Marketplace in Fontana, in the parking lot in front of Petco. The 28-29 event will be at Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center in Eastvale, in the parking lot in front of Petsmart.
​Be sure to check out the Lennar parade video linked HERE !

HomeAid Inland Empire participated at the annual Builders For Babies / HomeAid Essentials Diaper Drive in Anaheim, right under the "Big A" in the Angel Stadium parking lot.
HomeAid Orange County takes the lead on making this event happen, and builders such as Lennar, William Lyon Homes, Meritage Homes, and National Core participate in the building of "Diaper Structures".
HomeAid Inland Empire once again enlisted Carlos Lopez of HMC Architects to assist in the design and build of their structure. Carlos, a member on the HAIE Board of Directors, worked with his staff to create the "diaper throne" as a homage to "Game of Thrones".
Sitting in our "throne", and greeting guests for photo opportunities, was our own Dragon Queen, Elishama Spicer of Pacific Utility Installation, Inc.; a HAIE Board Director always ready to help the cause!
HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay adds that the diaper delivery and storage assistance of Reliable Wholesale Lumber will continue to make a strong impact throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

HomeAid Inland Empire Board Member Mark Dimitruk, of Pacific Western Bank, presented a donation of $10,000 to HAIE during the recent "Essentials for Young Lives" event held at a Lennar model home complex in Jupura Valley.
HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Committee Vice President / Community Engagement member Andy Mulz, of Red Robin Restaurants, was also on hand when the contribution was made to HAIE  Executive Director Julie Reay.

HomeAid Inland Empire's 14th Annual Trap Shoot and Builder Chili Cook-Off set records for most participants AND sponsors... All of which helped create the most successful Trap Shoot and Builder Chili Cook-Off  to date!
With the Riverside Chapter of the Building Industry Association as Host Sponsor, the Riverside County Economic Development Agency as Food Sponsor, and the fantastic volunteers and supporters of HomeAid Inland Empire - Those who shot, cooked chili, or watched as spectators all said they had a great time supporting the mission of HAIE to help end homelessness in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Added to the special events, along with the traditional Annie Oakley tournament was the Double Wobble Trap! The competition was fierce - with some outstanding shooters keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
The popular raffle drawings always create a big crowd. Gift cards to Turner's Outdoorsman, Carnival Cruise Line, HomeDepot, a Fantasy Springs trip, a huge variety of restaurants, baseball ticket packages, stainless propane grill, high-end Oakley sunglasses, portable clay target thrower, and even rounds of Trap at "our event home" Redlands Shooting Park were up for grabs!

The Temecula Valley Team from Wells Fargo joined together to help Project T.O.U.C.H. renovate one of their newest projects. When complete, the transitional housing facility will consist of four units sorely needed in Murrieta. HomeAid Inland Empire is grateful the Wells Fargo Team can always be counted on to be there when needed.

The 10th Annual "Essentials for Young Lives" event will run April 1st - May 10th, 2019.
Last year's event brought in over 231,000 baby essentials - Cases of disposable diapers in sizes from 1 through 5, unscented baby wipes, baby food, baby shampoo, feeding bottles, cotton swabs... all the many things our most vulnerable must have.
When HomeAid Inland Empire supporters pull up to designated provider facilities, the look of gratitude on the faces of the residents and caregivers warms the heart.
The "Essentials for Young Lives" program is so very important. We hope you are able to donate and change lives for families throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.