VENICE, Fla. (June 27, 2023) – Wellen Park presented a $15,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County on Monday, June 26. The donation is to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission and Cottages for Kids program.
“We are honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity to host the Cottages for Kids build and support this program for future builds,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “It has been wonderful seeing how many residents, guests and children have enjoyed the cottages while on display in Downtown Wellen. This project gave Wellen Park development partners a chance to come together to support a worthy organization, while also celebrating the next chapter of our community.”
During the check presentation, families selected by Habitat for Humanity were present to pick up cottages Wellen Park and its residential and commercial partners built earlier this year. The donated cottages were given to Habitat families.
“Habitat is so grateful to Wellen Park and the many generous builders that contributed to this unique program.” said Christina McCauley, CEO of Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County. “Without solid community partners like Wellen Park, we could not accomplish our mission of providing safe, affordable forever homes to hard working families and individuals in our community. We look forward to future collaborations and growing our partnership.”
The playhouses have been on display in Downtown Wellen since the Model Home Showcase event in February. During the event, visitors were able to view the playhouses and vote for their favorite one.
Wellen Park and its commercial and residential development partners built 6’x6’ playhouses, all designed with different styles, paint colors and unique details that would make them feel like home and stand out. Wellen Park built two playhouses, one with a cute seating area inside and outside painted with bright blue and yellow colors. The second Wellen Park playhouse was designed as a barn, with bundles of wood, fruits and vegetables, and stuffed animals such as a chicken. Mattamy Homes also built two playhouses, the first with different murals painted on every side of the playhouse, including a beach scene and a burst of color with the saying “Hello Sunshine” written out on the back of the cottage. Mattamy’s second playhouse was an animal-friendly barn with a dog painted on one side of the exterior and a car painted on the other.
Ryan Companies’ playhouse showcased a modern architectural feel, incorporating black paint and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Davis Development also took a modern design approach with plants painted on the outside of its playhouse. Sam Rodgers Homes created “Sam’s Coffee Cafe” playhouse, complete with a coffee menu, kitchen with pastries on display and a seating area where guests can enjoy their sweet treats and cup of coffee. Lennar’s playhouse included its own putting green so kids can practice their golf swing. Lee Wetherington Homes’ playhouse featured a bird sitting on the roof. PulteGroup went a nontraditional route and instead of building a playhouse, created a swing set with a slide and rock-climbing wall.
Wellen Park is planning another Cottages for Kids buildout later this year. The next round of cottages will be on display in Downtown Wellen as a part of Wellen Park’s holiday series, with participation extended to Wellen Park neighborhoods and residents. In December, there will also be a Cottages for Kids auction to raise awareness and funds to support Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County’s mission.