Guaranteed Rate announced the six finalist projects in its first annual “Ultimate Neighborhood Give Back Challenge,” a nationwide search for people and organizations who are leading projects that make meaningful impacts in their communities. The company is giving away $100,000 plus home improvement expert Ty Pennington’s help for a day to the best community improvement projects that were submitted through the Challenge’s Facebook app.
The finalists were chosen from among the top 50 semifinalists announced in June, and advanced out of the more than the total 320 entries received from 49 states. Projects entered in the Challenge have received more than 65,000 votes and “likes” on the contest’s Facebook app since the contest began. Entries spanned the gamut of ideas to make a community a better place, from food pantry renovations and expansions, to new public park spaces, to local arts and gardening programs. All projects needed to have a neighborhood or community benefit to be eligible for consideration. All of the finalist projects can be viewed and voted on at the Challenge Facebook app.
“Narrowing the 50 semifinalists to six finalists was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Pennington. “All of the projects are amazingly worthy efforts to improve communities around the country, and it’s been inspiring to see how many organizations are doing great things for the cities and towns where they live. I can’t wait to see which one of the finalists in Guaranteed Rate’s Ultimate Neighborhood Give Back Challenge will take home the grand prize and where I’ll roll up my sleeves for a day of great volunteer work.”
The finalists—still in the running for the grand prize and who will each receive at least $10,000 toward their project—are (listed alphabetically by state):
Illinois
►Chicago: Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare – Facility Renovation
Massachusetts
►Peabody: Haven from Hunger – Community Center
New York
►Rochester: Homesteads for Hope – Phase I Sustainability Center
North Carolina
►Clyde: Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter – Old Prison Rehab
Pennsylvania
►Harrisburg: Catholic Charities – Interfaith Homeless Shelter Renovations
Virginia
►Vienna: Jill’s House – Indoor Life Skills Development and Play Area for Special Needs Children
