From left to right: third place winner Hannah Van Rossum, first place winners Chris Diorio and Lauren Fox, Jillian Mele of NBC 10, and second place winners Claire Bernard and Isabel Gallard

On Saturday, March 9, over 300 fifth-graders unveiled a model of their dream home at Immaculata University at the 11^thannual “Build A House…Build A Dream” competition.

Fifth-graders from across the Delaware Valley worked individually or in teams to build their own three-dimensional, model dream home and bring it to the contest for display and judging.  Participating students’ imaginative, colorful designs reflected their far-ranging interests and the issues that concern them.

Approximately 30 judges narrowed the field down to 10 finalists.  All participants received recognition for their efforts, and three top winners earned cash prizes.  In addition, several Immaculata University students, faculty, and staff served as volunteers for the day.

The goal of the event was to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing and funds for local Habitat home-building programs for low income families in Philadelphia, Camden, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.  The program is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates of the Delaware Valley.

For more information, please contact 610-384-7993, ext. 11 or visit www.hfhcc.org/2012/11/build-a-house-build-a-dream

Immaculata University is a Catholic, comprehensive, coeducational institution of higher education, located on the Main Line between Malvern and Exton, 20 miles west of Philadelphia.

                Fifth graders from across the Delaware Valley work individually or in teams to build their own three-dimensional, model dream home and bring them to the contest for display and judging. Over the years, themes for the houses consisted of spaceships, and houses made from pencils and pasta, houses created to withstand tsunamis, and environmentally “green” homes. 

Approximately 60 judges, including architects and engineers, and Immaculata University’s Sister Joseph Marie Carter, IHM, director of Academic Advisement, will narrow the field down to 10 finalists.  All participants receive recognition for their efforts and the top winners earn cash prizes.  In addition, several  Immaculata students, faculty, and staff will serve as volunteers for the day.

The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing and funds for local Habitat homebuilding programs for low income families in Philadelphia, Camden, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.  The program is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates of the Delaware Valley.

 “Immaculata University, with its commitment to service in the community, is proud to host the 10^th annual “Build A House…Build A Dream,” commented Janet Kane, EdD, dean of the College of Graduate Studies, who facilitated the day’s events.

Immaculata University is a residential, Catholic, coeducational institution of higher education, located on the Main Line between Malvern and Exton, 20 miles west of Philadelphia.