Blanco National Bank President Mark Tidwell presented a $9,000 check this month to Faith Ray, chair of the Family Selection Committee and Family Liaison of the Blanco County Chapter of Austin Habitat for Humanity (BCCAHFH). Raising funds and securing an army of volunteers are key issues with any Habitat unit.

The Blanco County Chapter is fortunate to have Mark Tidwell as a strong supporting partner. Blanco National Bank was the largest donor for the first Blanco County Habitat home dedicated in Johnson City in May, 2007.

The generous 2008 donation from Blanco National Bank supports a new Habitat program in the town of Blanco called “A Brush with Kindness” (ABWK). The mission of the new ABWK project is to offer low-cost, affordable exterior home improvements to qualifying homeowners.

Applicants must own and occupy the home and be unable to afford necessary home repairs on their own. Applicants must also hold current homeowner insurance on the property and be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Project budgets are limited to $5,000 per home and are intended for exterior repairs only such as painting, caulking, grading, siding, roofing, exterior doors, sidewalk/concrete work, porch and fence repairs, wheelchair ramps, gutter repair or installation, solar screens, and landscaping. Community volunteers donate the labor. An information brochure for ABWK with income guidelines and contact persons will be distributed in the community in the near future.

The local Habitat group meets the first Monday of each month alternating between sites in Blanco and Johnson City. Tri-chairs of BCCAHFH for 2008-09 are Jan Booth, Betty McNallen, and David Hamm. Current secretary for this rotating position is Gail Rushing, and Susan Marshall serves as treasurer. Next meeting is on Monday, April 7 at St. Michaels/All Angels Episcopal Church in Blanco at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

The chapter welcomes both small and large donations, which may be mailed to BCCAHFH at P.O. Box 1375, Blanco, TX 78606.