Bad weather cancels Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter’s First Annual Family Build
On Saturday, April 16 Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter planned on inviting the families of Cape Girardeau to their First Annual Family build, held at 325 S. Ellis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until rain clouds swept across Cape Girardeau, canceling the event.The goal of their First Annual Family Build was to help spread the awareness of Habitat for Humanity by bringing families of the community together to help build Cape Area Habitat for Humanity’s 325 S. Ellis house. The plan for the event was to entertain the familys’ children with various activities, including, popsicle stick house building, 2x4 board decorating, face painting and cardboard box building, while the adults volunteered their time building the house.
Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter’s Advocate Chair, Tiffany Ackerman, came up with this idea, hoping to find a unique way for children of the community to get involved. She presented the idea to her fellow members, and everyone was on board. This would have been the first time Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter would have done anything with children so it was a learning experience for everyone.
“It makes people aware about their own backyard. Struggles happen to everyone and I feel it is important to help one another. This is our home and we should try to make it better for everyone who lives here,” said Ackerman.
Ackerman worked hard hours for over a month to plan the event. However, she did not make the event as widely well-known as she would have liked, stating she only reached out to the speciality stores in town, but needed to advertise more to the adult audience. Regardless of her advertising techniques, Ackerman was upset about the weather raining on her parade.
“I can honestly say I was super bummed. I kept waking up throughout the night checking the weather. I was upset when it was 7:30 a.m. and raining- I knew it would be cancelled, “ said Ackerman.
Ackerman has been working with Habitat for Humanity SEMO Chapter for three and a half semesters, after noticing a sign for the organization in chalk on the campus sidewalk. Ackerman was one of the first members who helped get the organization running and now has been the advocate chair for three semesters.
Unfortunately due to lack of time left in the current semester, Ackerman doesn’t believe the event will be rescheduled this year. She thinks the organization needs to focus on working hard towards what they already have planned, including the Southeast Build house.
However, as the advocate chair next semester, she is hoping to reschedule the event in the Fall.
“As an optimistic person, I feel the experience of planning this event, will only make it better next year,” said Ackerman.
