Home Builders Foundation Ushers in a New Era at Annual Celebration

The Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight welcomes nearly 300 guests to recognize the Home Builders Foundation’s efforts toward safety

November 12, 2024

CHL Staff,

Beth Forbes speaking at the Annual Celebration. | Photo: Z Luxe Photography

On October 10th, Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight rolled up the hangar doors to welcome a sold-out crowd to Home Builders Foundation’s (HBF) 2024 Annual Celebration event. The nearly 300 builders, trades, suppliers and supporters in attendance enjoyed touring the exhibition planes with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop.

Among the guests were several clients whose lives had been elevated by the home modifications the nonprofit provides to improve safety and independence for those living with disabilities. Adriana, a 13-year-old who has spinal muscular atrophy, raced through the hangar playing games with friends, while 11-year-old Elin, who lives with cerebral palsy, and her sisters marveled at the planes and exhibits. Frank, who has inclusion body myosis, and Matt, who is living with a spinal cord injury after an accident as a child, proudly introduced their families to fellow board members. Throughout the evening, supporters had the opportunity to interact with clients and hear about the impact that HBF’s modifications have made on their lives.

Elin and her Sister at the Annual Celebration. | Photo: Z Luxe Photography

Geoff Haskell at the Annual Celebration. | Photo: Z Luxe Photography

Geoff Haskell, HBF’s 2024 Board President, kicked off the formal program by celebrating the past year’s successes, which included 370 projects for 167 clients. He praised the collaborative spirit of the nonprofit and the building industry partners who work together to provide home modifications. Haskell, who has been involved with HBF for 10+ years, shared, “I enjoy meeting the families and advocating for solutions to improve their lives. In return, those families make my life richer.”

HBF executive director, Beth Forbes, spoke about the rapid growth the nonprofit has experienced in recent years. The nonprofit was formed in 1993 as a way for the home building industry to give back to the community. In its early years, HBF typically helped 10-20 clients each year. For the past several years, that number has grown to well over 100 clients annually and demand continues to rise. Forbes announced that the nonprofit’s 3-year plan includes completing 1,300 projects by the end of 2026 and that the client base will expand to include renters. “Our new era of growth will see HBF serving more clients, completing larger projects so that clients can stay in their homes, and working more efficiently and effectively,” said Forbes.

Frank Keynote Annual Celebration Photo Z Luxe Photography

Keynote Speaker, Frank Cawley. | Photo: Z Luxe Photography

HBF client, Frank Cawley, highlighted the evening’s theme, “For a Lifetime” in his keynote address. He spoke about purchasing a home that had been modified by HBF for a previous client and then realizing that many of the accessibility features weren’t geared for his 6’ 4” frame. “After listening to my challenges, HBF’s team created solutions to provide me with additional independence,” Cawley said. He also praised the compassion and dedication of the crew. “After living an active life, it can be very depressing to find yourself suddenly unable to do the things you’ve always taken for granted,” Cawley shared. “HBF’s crew made me feel valued. The progression of my disease is uncertain, but I know that they are always a phone call away.”

The attendees at HBF’s Annual Celebration, presented by Alpine Lumber, embraced the vision for the new era through their generous contributions during the Paddle Raiser. Those funds will allow HBF to continue to provide modifications to elevate the lives of even more individuals living with disabilities in the coming years. To learn more about HBF, or to get involved as a volunteer, supporter or partner, visit hbfdenver.org.