Sunday, April 20, was a day full of sunshine not only in the skies, but also on the faces of 52 family members and the more than 500 guests who attended dedication ceremonies for their homes. Homeowners had worked hundreds of sweat equity hours, both on the build site and in HomeWORKS classes, to earn eligibility to purchase homes of their own. This was their day in the sun so to speak, as they received keys to their new homes. And the gift of homeownership will continue giving for years to come, as these families grow and learn together.

There was much to be thankful for, including:

• The largest build in the agency's history also placed the first 16 houses in Nashville Area Habitat's second all-Habitat neighborhood, Timberwood.
• Bridgestone Americas dedicated the company's fifth Nashville Area Habitat home sponsored and built by the company in five years. Bridgestone also sponsors the agency's HomeWORKS computer lab and Bridgestone employees are involved in Habitat committees, board and advisory board.
• The Ensworth School, a first-time sponsor, dedicated four homes, sponsored and built by school trustees, staff, faculty and students in celebration of the school's 50th birthday. The homes were built on Tiger Circle, named after the school mascot, and students of all ages did service projects in support of the build. Ensworth alumna and trustee Amy Grant and Sterling Gittens entertained guests at the dedication ceremony.
• Gresham Smith and Partners were recognized for their support in contributing the outstanding architectural designs for homes in Timberwood.
• The agency celebrated its selection as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Excellence in Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing.
• A delicious pizza lunch provided by Hunt Brothers Pizza and a table with foods in keeping with the Jewish tradition of celebrating Passover.
• Nine area commercial construction companies sponsored the second Builders Build.
• The Habitat HomeStores funded its sixth Habitat home.
• LP Corporation sponsored and built the company's fourth Nashville Area Habitat home. Additionally, LP offers a rebate program to provide building materials to Nashville Area Habitat at a discount and LP employees have been involved with Habitat since LP moved their corporate headquarters to Nashville.
• LP and the The Tennessee Titans sponsored and built the team's fifth Nashville Area Habitat home. The Titans offer up LP Field parking lots to host wall panel builds for future homes.
• NCAA sponsored and built its first Nashville Area Habitat home, which was the 26th home in NCAA's Home Team project, a partnership between NCAA and Habitat for Humanity International.
• St. Stephen Catholic Community sponsored and built the church's eighth Nashville Area Habitat home.
• Week of Compassion, the humanitarian relief ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), sponsored and built its third Nashville Area Habitat home.
• Tennessee Valley Authority's Middle Tennessee Region sponsored and built its third Nashville Area Habitat home, the first of which was in partnership with Nashville Electric Service.