Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Back to School Night to Celebrate Donation of Custom-Made Playhouse

Aug. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Prekindergarten teacher, Denise Senzig’s students will have a wonderful surprise when they start school Monday at Mission Parish School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.  Sitting in their preschool play yard is a new playhouse.  This is not just any playhouse.  It was custom-made by homebuilder Shea Homes.  Donated to the school by HomeAid Orange County and Shea Homes, Mission Parish School will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Back to School Night, Tuesday, August 31.  
         “Small group play is essential to a child’s social – emotional development.  This incredible playhouse will give our children a place to role play and stretch their imaginations to create their own adventures,“ said Senzig.      
         The playhouse named TradePartners’™ Farmhouse captures the classic look of a traditional American farmhouse with redwood siding and custom-cut wood roof shingles. The interior is accented with an exposed beam ceiling, hardwood floor and oak cabinets.  With multiple play areas, children’s imagination can soar.  They can pretend to prepare country meals on the granite countertop in the kitchen.  Then serve their imaginary food to their friends on a real John Deer table with tractor-motif chairs in the dining area.  Or practice reading their favorite story book in the perfect sized (for any prekindergarten) chair and ottoman nestled in the cozy loft with a working electric fireplace.  
         “We have partnered for many years with HomeAid Orange County on building playhouses for their signature fundraiser Project Playhouse® and building developments for homeless families in our community.  Shea believes building a home is like building a future. Building a strong foundation in a home is as important as building a strong foundation in a child’s life.  We are proud to partner with HomeAid in the donation of this playhouse to the children at Mission Parish School and to play a part in enhancing their futures,” said Bob Yoder, Division President Shea Homes.
         Project Playhouse debuted in 1992 and for 19 years renowned Southern California homebuilders, trades, architects and designers have participated helping to raise more than $5.5 million which has enabled the more than 20 year old non-profit organization to build or renovate 47 housing developments for homeless men, women and children.
        The 2010 playhouses are currently on display at Irvine Spectrum Center®.  On the weekends through Sunday, Sept. 5, for a $5 donation the public is invited to tour the playhouse village and view the playhouses through Dutch doors.  The culmination of the entire event is a live auction on Friday, Sept. 10.  For more information go to www.projectplayhouse.org

# # #

HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date the organization has completed 47 housing developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org