2008 Cottages for Kids Meeting - 6/4/08 at Rosemary Beach

Calling All Builders: Join the fun at the 2008 Cottages for Kids

Alys Beach – The Fonville Press and Alys Beach Sales Center provided the site for the 2008 Cottages for Kids Kick-off Event hosted last Thursday evening by Children’s Volunteer Health Network and Alys Beach. Cottages for Kids is one of CVHN’s most popular fundraisers.

Cottages for Kids relies on local builders and architects to design and build playhouses. During November, these playhouses (Cottages) are on display on the East Long Green at Rosemary Beach and are auctioned on November 29th. The 2008 theme is “Earth Friendly…Kid Approved!” Kids of all ages can come and explore these fantasy cottages during the month of November and learn about “green” building practices and how to protect their earth.
Over 50 people attended the CFK Kick-off, networked, and listened to a 30 minute presentation by the 2008 CFK committee. Builders and committee members Susannah Rice and Britton Bartlett talked about the builder guidelines, using examples from last year’s playhouses. Jim Bagby, town manager of Rosemary Beach was there to support the project and network with potential builders.

The original artwork of Billie Gaffrey was unveiled at the kick-off. Billie provided the design for this year’s Cottages for Kids theme and logo: “Earth Friendly…Kid Approved.”

Last year’s Cottages participants present at the kick-off were talking up the event to the first-timers, expressing their delight in supporting such a great cause, while receiving the benefits of marketing their talent. Craig Baranowski, President of CJB Construction, along with Chris Stoyles of Archiscapes were the first to officially sign up to design and build a playhouse for the 2008 event.

“This project relies on the generosity of so many people, from sponsors to volunteers,” says Susannah Rice, Co-Chair. “Without the builders, designers and architects who create these dream playhouses, we wouldn’t have an event.” Anyone interested in being a builder or sponsor or learning more about CFK can contact Kate Johnson at (850) 231-4119.

Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc., HEALTHY HAPPY KIDS, is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization established in 2005 whose mission is to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school-aged children by facilitating free, immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care. For more information about Cottages for Kids, go to www.cottagesforkids.org, or visit the CVHN website at www.cvhnkids.org.