Habitat for Humanity
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The Wake County Bar Association has a proud tradition of dedicating itself to public service. Each year hundreds of Wake County lawyers participate in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA. In 2000 alone, over 300 WCBA lawyers participated in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA public service committee. More than 600 Wake County lawyers donated legal services to the County's Volunteer Lawyer Program. Countless others lawyers quietly participate in volunteer and public service activities outside of the WCBA and donate their time, services and resources to the betterment of the community.

In 2000, the public service tradition of the Wake County legal community was recognized by three prestigious awards received by the WCBA - the North Carolina Bar Association's Chief Justice Award, the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and the Wake County Volunteer Award.

The following projects are examples of the public service projects undertaken by the WCBA.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Public Service Committee and members of the Wake County Bar Association raised over $55,000 to construct a Habitat for Humanity house for Phyllis Pace and her family.

Many WCBA members volunteered their time and money to make the dream for Ms. Pace and her family become a reality. Committee members met on a weekly basis and as a result of the generosity of Wake County Bar members and others, the goal of $45,000 was surpassed in excess of $10,000. The Wake County Bar was able to contribute additional funds to Habitat in order to purchase the adjoining lot to Ms. Pace's home, with the possibility of the Wake County Bar sponsoring another Habitat house in the future.

When it came time to build the house, many came out with friends and family. Others worked with law firms and food establishments to provide lunches and refreshments at the construction site. Members of the Nurturing Subcommittee worked with Phyllis Pace and her family during the building process to assist her with decisions and help her through the closing process. The family nurturers continued to follow up with Ms. Pace as she went through the different phases of being a homeowner.

Later, Wake County Bar members were invited to a dinner sponsored by Habitat of Wake County. The dinner was a joint celebration of organizations that sponsored and built Habitat houses in Wake County in 1992. A worthwhile project!. . . a GREAT Wake County Bar Association effort!