Home contest a big draw for kids

Oct 31, 2013

When asked to draw a “dream home” these girls left out pools, hot tubs, and marble countertops. Instead of those luxuries, lavish colors, a polka dot paint job, and a bearded Sun were included in the plans.

The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity chose three designs from about 50 submitted entries to a contest set-up by the organization. Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is the local chapter of the international non-profit organization that serves to provide affordable housing to people who could not afford it.

Children were invited to draw a dream house and Habitat recently named the three winners: Hailey Liggerio, Emma Mastorsky, and Rosemary Loer.

The girls’ drawings are featured on greeting cards now on sale. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s mission, said Executive Director Christine Lacourse.

For Emma, of Marion, her dream home is a pink three-storied building with six windows and a fireplace. In the sky, a Sun wearing shades and a beard watches over the property. The facial hair is in homage to Boston’s World Series appearance. This season, some ball players quit shaving. “I was in a Red Sox-ey mood,” said Emma.

While winning is nice, helping Habitat is important too.

“I feel kind of happy the cards will help some people get into a house,” said Emma.

Habitat is preparing to complete it’s first home in Marion. The single-family ranch home will be constructed at 185 Wareham Road on a 19,000 square-foot lot. Habitat first proposed to build the 1,100 square-foot home in 2009.

Literature lovers would feel at home in Hailey’s house. The 7-year-old Marion resident listed the interior amenities. “I want a writers room. I want a mini-library with a big desk. And a chimney with a fireplace,” Hailey said, adding, “I really like to read.”

The reader-friendly home reflects her interests well. “She loves to read, write, and draw,” Hailey’s mom Christina said. “Those are her favorite things to do.”

Outside, the home is painted in polka dots while a polka dotted puppy stands guard on the lawn.

And though her family already has one puppy, Hailey said if she were to get her own home an entire litter would be needed.

Rosemary, of Mattapoisett, was unavailable for comment. Her drawing depicts a stately two-story waterfront home. In the front, neatly tended trees and bushes are shown.

Habitat’s board of directors selected the winners.

The greeting cards cost $1 per card or $8 for 10. Cards can be bought at Habitat’s Mattapoisett office, located at 8 County Road (Route 6).

They may also be bought at area events such as an “alternative gift fair” scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9. The event will benefit several non-profit groups. It takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 103 Marion Road, Mattapoisett. The fair allows non-profits to set up exhibits and receive donations.

For more information on the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, visit www.buzzardsbayhabitat.org.