AURORA, IL — On Saturday, Dec. 3, Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity dedicated the Lopez family home at 656 Spruce St. in Aurora. The ceremony featured prayers, housewarming gifts and presentation of a ceremonial house key.
Habitat volunteers and contractors built the home in partnership with the future homeowners, Cristal Lopez and sons Anthony, Malachi and Noah.
The Lopez home is Habitat’s 69th in the Fox Valley since its founding in 1988, and is the fifth Faith Build, a partnership of 25 area faith communities.
Rick Loufek of Aurora, Habitat board chair and event emcee, welcomed guests to open the event.
Other speakers were Rev. Jeffrey Barrett, Habitat CEO and pastor of Genesis Community Church of Montgomery, who reviewed Habitat’s mission; Cecile Gallot, financial adviser, Thrivent Financial, Oswego; Rev. Duane Mavis, Naperville, Habitat founder; Dave Dumford, Naperville, former Habitat volunteer; Ron Kelso, Yorkville, Habitat board member; Rev. Tim Loar, pastor of Calvary Church, Naperville; and Cristal Lopez.
Presentations included house keys from Guillermo Trujillo, Aurora deputy mayor; bread, salt and wine from Cornell and Tamara Shaw, Habitat volunteers; a family Bible from Shauna Weatherspoon, volunteer; quilts and prayer shawls from Rubi Mata, 2017 homeowner; and a $100 gift certificate from Lukas Pawlowski, Habitat West Aurora ReStore manager.
Expressing appreciation for her family’s home, Lopez said “I want to thank Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, the churches and all the organizations that came together and made this dream of homeownership possible for my family.
“We can’t wait to begin our new life in our beautiful home and make memories that will last a lifetime,” she continued. “You all have changed our lives forever. We thank you truly from the bottom of our hearts.”
Recognized in the event’s print program were 24 in-kind partners that donated funds, building supplies, furnishings, and other items.
This press release was produced by Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
