The local Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana received $21,000 from Louisiana Tech’s Panhellenic Organization. This donation was a wonderful gift raised by the women in the five sororities at LA Tech’s yearly fundraiser called Dollar Duels.
This fundraiser was part of a competition to raise the most money for Habitat during Greek Week, brining fun and friendly competition to a meaningful cause. The Panhellenic Council strives to uphold the traditions, fine standards and values long held by Louisiana Tech women through thought, word and action.
The members of the Panhellenic Council stand for academic excellence, social responsibility, leadership, and service to our college campus and community and now these funds will be used for Habitat’s mission in building new homes in our area.
“Last year, Kathy Gardner spoke at one of my meetings for a different organization,” said Gwyneth Smith, Director of Philanthropy for Panhellenic. “She shared the mission of Habitat and showed us a video highlighting its impact right here in the Ruston community.
“Around that time, I was in the process of applying for my current position and I knew that if I got it, I wanted Habitat to be one of the beneficiaries. I wanted to support an organization where we could truly see the difference our contributions were making and give back to the community that supports us.”
“We were so surprised to get the phone call from Gwyneth stating that they had a donation for us,” said Kathy Gardner, President/CEO. “During the conversation about the event they had and how they selected Habitat to receive the funds, I asked her the amount they were donating and I nearly dropped the phone when she told me it was just over $21,000. God has a beautiful way of making things happen over and over again and this donation is going to allow us to pour the next home’s foundation.
“We will have the girls out to see it and how far that donation goes and how important their donation is to a new family that needs help. Statistics prove that living in a safe and good home improves the family’s educational levels, decreases healthcare costs, and improves income levels. We are improving not just this family’s generation, but generations down the line.
“This gift will be used to supply the foundation of our next home and we are so very grateful for the Panhellenic’s choice in selecting us for their contribution. Our mission field in this area is huge. Our area is in dire need of good and safe affordable housing which is crucial to our families and neighborhoods here in north Louisiana.”
