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Archie Griffin - Associate Athletic Director - Heisman Trophy Winner

Jan Peters - Local Artist - Birdhouse Architect and Builder

Ann Fisher - Columbus Dispatch Metro Columnist

Sue Melnyk - Guest Artist

Rosy and EJ Thomas - CEO, Habitat for Humanity Greater Columbus and daughter

Connie Foster - Guest Artist

Jim Tressel - Head Coach OSU Football

Women Build VII is off to a great start. The Gallery Hop on January7th, continued concession stand work, and this past weekend's luncheon and autograph session with Katie Smith has raised not only excitement and awareness of the Women Build project, but some funds to put toward the home of our next family. The Women Build fundraising committee would like to thank all the volunteers who have donated their ability, enthusiasm, and time to make these events possible.

At the luncheon that took place on Saturday Feb 25th, Katie Smith, our honorary Chair, likened the mission of Habitat for Humanity to her basketball team. A team consists of guards, forwards, and closers. The guards prepare the team, getting it ready for the rest of the game they are responsible for racking up the points and securing a safe lead. She likened this aspect of the game to our committee. The committee spends much time and effort raising funds for the build as well as preparing the volunteers for the build. Katie compared the volunteers to the forwards. These are the team members who get it done no matter what. Like the basketball forwards, our volunteers are out working in the elements in less than ideal conditions. Finally Katie described the game closers. They are the ones who secure the game and maintain the lead that the guards and forwards gained. The closers represent the family and the support that the family receives from Habitat for Humanity.

Additionally we heard from a very special Habitat for Humanity Women Build homeowner, Bydea. During her talk, she described herself as having a very anxious childhood not knowing from month to month where she would go to school. She described moving as a child and the instability that this brings into a family. As a mother now, she wanted to break the cycle of moving every few months because her son wasn't making friends and had no yard in which to play. After deciding that she wanted a better life for her son, she reluctantly applied for her Habitat home. Ironically, she had moved during the application process. She was accepted and is now the proud owner of a home which she helped build. As a testament to the quality of the Women Build home, she stated that she has experienced fewer problems in her women built home than she has with her garage which was built by a mixed crew. And she stated that because of Women Build she can do most of the home improvements herself-without the help of her well-intended husband. Habitat for Humanity has so changed her life that this year her family plans to donate to the Women Build Project.

In addition to the luncheon and speakers, a public live auction was held. Some items up for bid were a Katie Smith autographed Detroit Shock basketball jersey, a 1974 Rose Bowl replica football jersey signed by Archie Griffin as well as the hot item of the night, an autographed Legend of the Shoe collector football signed by Eddie George. The director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Columbus, EJ Thomas, was on hand demonstrating one of his hidden talents. As auctioneer for the day, EJ helped to raise over $2,700 towards this year's Women Build home budget. The Women Build committee would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his efforts to help Women Build VII succeed.

The Women Build VII fundraising committee would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude the following companies and individuals for generously donating goods and/or services to our fundraising events:

January Gallery Hop
Ohio Equities
Westgate Equipment Rentals
Party Perfect Catering

Lunch with Katie
Katie Smith
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Arbonne International
The Buckeye Corner
Dick's Sporting Goods
FedEx/Kinkos
Jim Tressel
Archie Griffin
Eddie George

We'd like to extend a special thank you to Susan Lewis, Catering Manager, and Dave Tebay, Vice President of Marketing, from the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe for their expertise and support in planning "Lunch with Katie."

Katie Smith Joins Women Build VII

The Women Build VII committee would like to welcome Katie Smith to the team. As a former Buckeye, Katie was the first female athlete to have her number retired. She was also enshrined into the Women's "O" Hall of fame at Ohio State and was honored as the Ohio State Athlete of the Century by the Columbus Touchdown Club. In addition to many other honors, Katie was an integral part to the 2000 and 2004 women's basketball Olympic Teams.

Katie will play for the Detroit Shock in 2006. Previously she played for the Minnesota Lynx where she surpassed her 5000th point mark for her career score. Between classes and practice, Katie has volunteered her time to attend several Women Build events. We look forward to working with her on this Build.

Please sign up for our volunteer email list for a more complete bio and other information of Women Build VII news.