Building Dreams-Sharky’s on the Pier & Habitat for Humanity Bring Hope to Sarasota County Families

July 23, 2009 - PRLog -- Venice, Florida -- Venice waterfront restaurant Sharky’s on the Pier and Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County are gearing up for a new “Green” neighborhood in the Laurel Nokomis community named Garden Park.  The nine energy efficient townhouses will be centered around a family park and provide 18 local families an opportunity to become homeowners for the first time. Garden Park will take about two years to complete.

Sharky’s on the Pier co-owner Mike Pachota has been a generous community sponsor of these homes and towards Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County. “It is always important to give back to the community, however, during this economic downturn; it is imperative that we all pitch in and give back. Sharky’s would not be where it is today without our loyal customers,” said Mr. Pachota. Once the two year project is complete the new homeowners will celebrate and share the stories of building their independence in a dedication ceremony planned for late 2011. The public will be invited to the event. “We are honored to be a part of Building Dreams for the citizens of South Sarasota County,” he continued.

Volunteers from Sharky's on the Pier, Publix Supermarkets and LeaderChip, along with Habitat for Humanity’s dedicated regulars as well as the local community and civic organizations have been raising walls, swinging hammers and screw guns for this project every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 7:30am until noon.

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing low-income working families the hope and transforming experience of homeownership. This is a dream to those who would otherwise not qualify to afford a home of their own.

“Through our partnerships with community leaders like Sharky’s on the Pier, Habitat for Humanity is making the American dream of homeownership a reality,” said Judy Wilcox, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County.  “These new communities will change both children and adult lives forever.”

Sharky’s on the Pier has supported community events in South Sarasota County for over 20 years.  Past events include the annual “Ride the Beaches” bike ride, which raises money for cancer research. With its spectacular waterfront location, Sharky’s offers unparalleled views of the Gulf of Mexico and the sandy, secluded beach. They feature live, gulf-side entertainment five nights a week on their family-friendly outdoor deck.

For more information on how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, please visit their website at http://www.habitatsouthsarasota.org or call Dena at 941-493-6606.

To find out more about Sharky’s on the Pier, call 941-488-1456 or go online to http://www.sharkysonthepier.com.