Contestants of the Brownwood Reunion’s Hands on a House Competition held a fundraiser Friday and Saturday for fellow contestant Cecilio Chavarria & his wife Daniela.  Also receiving funds from the benefit is contestant Brandi White’s favorite organization Hope Home Ministries.  A check presentation was held on Tuesday afternoon at TexasBank, a sponsor of the event.

Second place Hands on a House winner 21-year-old Cecilio Chavarria, had entered the contest during Brownwood Reunion to win the house in hopes of selling it and using the proceeds to help pay off $4000 of legal work to gain Daniela’s citizenship papers.  A close friendship grew between many of the contestants and several wanted to help the Chavarrias since he didn’t win the house.

The fundraiser was a brisket lunch and bake sale that was held at Abundant Life Church over the weekend and was very successful, raising approximately $2000.  Organizers had hoped to raise $4000 or more, with any extra proceeds to be donated to Home Ministries.  When Cecilio heard of the amount raised, he was grateful and insisted that half of the money raised be given to Hope Home Ministries.

Contestant Brandi Wright volunteers with the organization and had also competed in hopes of winning the house to benefit Hope Home Ministries, which was founded in Brownwood in 2008 and strives to provide a safe home for girls who are trapped in the cycle of poverty, abuse and addiction. The organization and its volunteers desire “to help young women break free from the bondage that holds them back in their lives and to equip them to become mature, responsible adults.”  The organization accomplishes this by sharing the truth of Christ’s love in a safe home environment while teaching life-skills and encouraging positive decision making.

Contestant Chuck Gebhardt, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, stated after being in the Hands on a House competition, he realized that there are many who enter hoping to raise funds for either a non-profit or for their own basic needs.  He and other contestants decided to form a group they are calling “Hands on a Heart” which will help past contestants with hardships or their favorite charities.  The group hopes to evolve this into a non-profit that will be around for years to come, helping the community.  He explained that no matter if you win or lose the Hands on a House competition, “you always come out #1.”

Gebhardt stated that Hope Home Ministries is very special as it gives young girls a second chance.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, people change,” said Gebhardt. “People want to change, they just need help.  That’s why their organization is so special.”

Sponsor and TexasBank President Greg Dodds stated that the contest has grown to be so much more than just a contest and spoke to the contestants.

“Seeing you guys bond, is very special.  There’s a fellowship that grows out of this thing,” said Dodds.  “This is the first year that it has gotten legs.”

Contestant Redd Lee stated that he used to live in Houston and moved to the Brownwood area and has enjoyed seeing what a giving community this is.

“Brownwood is the ultimate community.  Everyone wants to help each other,” said Lee.  “It’s an awesome thing when people come together for other people’s needs.  This town is amazing – always coming out together for people.  You can’t out give God, but you can sure have fun trying.”

Pictured above are fundraiser organizers and recipients of the check presentation.  Contestant Brandi White could not attend due to an illness.

From left to right are:  Chassidy Carroll (Hope Home Ministries Program Director), Redd Lee, Stephen Miller, Cecilio and Daniela Chavarrio, and Chuck Gebhardt.