UNC Charlotte starting football this past fall provided the spark for the Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter to raise funds to build a home for a deserving candidate as part of homecoming 2013.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, Ron Spivey became the official owner of the “House the 49ers Built.”
“I feel blessed to have worked with such a dedicated and energetic group of students,” said Spivey at the dedication. “Together we created a home, and together we’ll continue to provide that opportunity for others. I’m proud to be a member of the 49er family.”
Members of the University’s Habitat chapter presented Spivey with a framed photo of UNC Charlotte’s historical marker to commemorate the experience.
"We’re excited to help Mr. Spivey achieve his dream of home ownership,” said Maggie Chahoud, special events coordinator for the UNC Charlotte Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. “Sponsoring an on-campus build was a huge endeavor and a wonderful opportunity for the entire campus to have a lasting impact in the community. We anticipate this is the first of many homes and families UNC Charlotte will be a part of.”
The advent of football at UNC Charlotte motivated the student Habitat chapter to undertake the initiative; months of planning went into the project. Students had to raise $65,000 to fund the on-campus build, which occurred Oct. 1-11, 2013. The home was moved to its permanent location Oct. 13 where volunteers from the University and Habitat finalized construction.
Student fundraisers generated more than $26,000, and the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association provided nearly $10,000. A group of UNC Charlotte alumni, parents and friends matched these funds through a challenge grant of $30,000 led by University alumni Christine (’82) and Joe Price (’83). Joe is a former Bank of America executive and member of the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors and the University’s Board of Trustees.