- Countrywide Donating House to Blake, Grandma and Crowded Family -
- Local Homebuilders Volunteer to Provide Free Renovations -
- Announcement Made at Festival Raising $20,000 for Blake's Bright Tomorrow
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HARTVILLE, Ohio, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- After the nightmare they've
been through for the past two months, the young son and other members of
murder victim Jessie Davis' family had Jessie's dream granted on Saturday.
At a festival to raise money for the Blake Davis Trust Fund and its
campaign for Blake's Bright Tomorrow on Saturday in Hartville, Ohio, the
2-year-old, his grandmother, Patty Porter, and other family members
received a big surprise. Countrywide Home Loans announced that it would
donate a home to the trust fund to be renovated by volunteers from the
Homebuilders Association of Portage and Summit Counties and given to Porter
and Blake as their family residence.
Jessie Davis, nine months pregnant with Blake's sister, Chloe, went
missing from her Lake Township, Ohio, home in June. Her disappearance
prompted a massive volunteer search effort that prompted national media
attention. Her body was discovered 10 days later. Porter took her grandson
into her already crowded small apartment home in Green, Ohio, where six now
live.
"Jessie dreamed of owning her own home for Blake and Chloe," Patty
Porter said. "I was content in our little apartment, but with Blake, we
really can use more space. I'm overwhelmed (by the gift of a house). All I
can say is 'Thank you!'"
"Countrywide has facilitated the dream of homeownership for millions of
American families, and this family needs and deserves a home of their own,"
said John Turcanik, Regional Builder Manager for Countrywide.
"Studies show that homeownership promotes family stability. We hope
this gift will provide a sense of security for Blake, as well as a place
for him to grow and a yard for him to play in."
Countrywide's participation in the Blake's Bright Tomorrow initiative
began when the idea was presented to Turcanik by Carmine Torio, executive
vice president of the local Homebuilders Association. Torio said the
members of his organization were eager to volunteer to renovate a house
where Patty can raise Blake.
"This demonstrates the kind of relationship that Countrywide fosters
not just with its customers and associates in the building industry, but
with the communities it serves," said Torio. "We are excited to get started
on renovations, just as soon as a suitable house is selected."
"When Countrywide told us earlier this week that they would give us a
house for Patty, Blake and their family, it really made our day. More
importantly, it will make a lifetime of difference to them," said Gay
Stevens- Fragale of the Blake Davis Trust Fund. "This is a giant leap
toward Blake's Bright Tomorrow."
"This never would have happened without the leadership provided by
organizers of the Blake Davis Trust Fund and the motivation of the local
homebuilders," said Turcanik. "Countrywide is glad they asked us to be part
of making this special gift."
Saturday's festival at the Hartville Marketplace and Kitchen complex
featured silent and live auctions, food sales and donation collections that
initial tabulations indicated would exceed $20,000 for Blake's Bright
Tomorrow. One goal of the initiative is to provide for Blake's college
education.
Donations to the Blake Davis Trust Fund can be made on-line at
BlakesBrightTomorrow.com, or mailed to: 101 Central Plaza South, Suite
1000; Canton, OH 44702.
SOURCE Blake Davis Trust Fund
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Related links:
http://www.countrywide.com
http://www.BlakesBrightTomorrow.com
CONTACT:
Gay Stevens-Fragale of Blake Davis Trust
Fund, +1-704-400-8829; or Rick Simon of Countrywide,
+1-818-426-3872
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