NHI DREAM HOME | FRIENDS
BY KATE RANDELL/PHOTOS BY RAY STRAWBRIDGE
WINTER 2005 ISSUE

To one person the task of raising $315,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society could seem daunting and completely unattainable. Couple the vision of that one person, however, with the organization, dedication, talent and hard work of many others, and that goal is quickly within reach.

In just its fifth year of existence, the NHI Dream Home was once again a huge success for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Eastern North Carolina, meeting and quickly surpassing its fundraising goal because so many came together to bring that goal within reach.

From the organizers to the developer and the builder, and from the designers to the carpenters, a great number of people did their part to make that happen. Even though the construction and design is what most saw as the “finished product,” those responsible for what was happening behind the scenes and around the Triangle were equally as instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. These hardworking folks are proudly named the “Friends of the NHI Dream Home.”

Star 102.9
This year, the project had the support of some of the Triangle’s finest broadcasting personalities. Jack Boston, morning show host on Star 102.9 said it was the loss of his own grandfather to leukemia that brought him to his involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “My grandfather was actually much more like a father to me and his loss was something I could not let go without doing something about,” Boston said. Although he joked that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is stuck with him whether “they like it or not,” he also added that meeting the children with leukemia continues to give him strength. Boston promoted the NHI Dream Home and auction during his morning show broadcasts.
 

WRAL
The publicity for the project did not stop at just one media outlet. Through the reporting of WRAL’s anchor Gerald Owens and his interview with NHI Dream Home honoree Sherilyn Adams, the NHI Dream Home not only reached a broad audience, but put a sweet, brave twelve-year-old face together with the cause. “I’ve met hundreds of kids over the years in this business,” Owens said, “[but] I was really taken by [Sherilyn’s] courage in fighting her disease. She’s come out of it a stronger person. I can tell just by talking to her.” Owens’ time with Sherilyn brought him to the realization that “having a strong and loving family may be as important as having good doctors in fighting the disease.” His interview, which aired on WRAL brought that same realization to folks throughout the Triangle.
 

ABC 11 Eyewitness News
WTVD news anchor Steve Daniels also offered his broadcasting expertise to the cause. After serving as emcee for the black-tie gala, Daniels felt that the NHI Dream Home successfully touched its audience. “It is most important to get an audience to understand what families have to go through, to see who they are benefiting,” he said. In addition to having Sherilyn and her family participate in the event, “this is a high profile way, through the Parade [of Homes], to get people to understand the importance of blood-related diseases.” “This was a real touching and special event,” Daniels added. “What I found most gratifying was Rex Bost’s [of Bost Custom Homes] involvement in the project. It’s one thing for big corporations, but when a small business is involved, it's really special.” Daniels, who does a lot of work with charities and special events, went on to say he was inspired by all who came together to help. He suggested that part of the success of the event is due to the energy and passion of JT Cayton and the rest of the New Homes & Ideas staff.
 

Designs by Jenn Mac
Just as our broadcasting friends were able to use their talents to help create a successful Dream Home event, so did Jennifer MacCune, owner of Designs by Jenn Mac. MacCune handmade earrings especially for Sherilyn to wear to the black-tie gala. “She looked like a princess,” MacCune recalled of Sherilyn in her pink ball gown and matching accessories. After meeting with Sherilyn and her dress designer, MacCune designed earrings that would fit Sherilyn’s style and personality. “I was honored to be a part of it,” said MacCune. With a twelve-year-old daughter of her own, MacCune said meeting Sherilyn really hit home. “It was good to know that people will be behind you if [a blood-related cancer] effects you.” MacCune has been designing jewelry for herself for 15 years but just last year decided to start her own business.

As the builder worked diligently to create a magnificent home, and the designers made dreams a reality by developing rooms fit for a king (and princess Sherilyn!), other friends of the NHI Dream Home worked behind the scenes contributing their own skills to make this event successful. Since there are a number of worthy causes that need help from the community, having a number of dedicated volunteers available to an organization is a success in itself. “I’ve seen my share of charitable causes,” Owens suggested, “none so creative as this one. The fact that so many businesses and individuals are involved and the size of their financial commitment makes this project unique.”

When asked why he thought the NHI Dream Home was such a success, Boston commented that, “It’s the people of the Triangle. The people of North Carolina are always quick to open their hearts and their pocketbooks when the cause is true. It’s who we are.” ▪

KATE RANDELL IS A FREELANCE WRITER FROM RALEIGH.

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