About the Build:
In Mike’s memory and to honor his life, we are building a Habitat home for a family in need of decent, affordable housing in Lake County, Florida. Mike spent a significant amount of time as Construction Manager with the Habitat Lake-Sumter affiliate prior to working for Habitat for Humanity International. Please consider donating to make this home a reality. Mike would have loved nothing more than for his memory to live on in advocacy – building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
The build will occur between February 27th and March 25th 2023.
Meet Mike
Many who knew Mike Welch, knew he often referred to himself as “just an old carpenter”, but he was so much more. Being the oldest of 6 children, Mike Welch was a mentor and role model from the beginning. Spending his childhood on a farm, fishing, camping, and boating, he became an avid naturalist. He was a hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate family man, father to four daughters. He demonstrated a strong sense of faith and advocacy. Mike made huge impacts working with Habitat for Humanity, both professionally and on a personal level with those that he met.
Mike worked his way up from volunteering at a local Habitat to becoming the US. Director of Long-term Disaster Recovery, where his leadership skills flourished. His co-workers, local Habitat offices, Habitat’s donors (and many others!) experienced his grace and good humor, listening and caring skills, and his love of sharing his experiences… that all came naturally to him. His most prized accomplishments were the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects, working alongside former President Jimmy Carter, directing the Home Builders Blitz, and his teaching of creativity and construction practices.
How to get involved:
Whether through a financial gift or donating your time, there are many ways to get involved. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to build the Mike Welch home and find volunteer support for construction, safety, hospitality, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering alongside us, please contact MikeWelchLegacyBuild@gmail.com. We hope you’ll join us in honoring Mike’s legacy.
How to volunteer:
Want to join the build? There will be both day and week-long volunteer slots available. Welch family representatives will be joining throughout each week to build, share stories, and give honor for the incredible service Mike gave so freely in his life.
Both construction and non-construction volunteer opportunities will be available. Volunteers 16 years and older are welcome to join. (Please note all minors must be accompanied by a guardian.)
There is a volunteer fee of $35 per day to cover volunteer meals and supplies.
Volunteers are welcome to use the overnight accommodations at the Domestic Global Village if coming from outside of the local area. Volunteers will be provided daily breakfast and lunch. Dinner will be on your own. One evening of each week there will be a celebratory catered dinner with local entertainment. All week-long and day volunteers will be invited to join for that evening.
Online registration is now open. Click the link below to learn more and register to volunteer:
Click Here to Register to Volunteer Today!
For any questions on onsite and/or lodging for this event, please email mikewelchlegacybuild@gmail.com.
How to donate:
- Make your gift online or mail to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, FL at 906 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL 32159 (Memo: Mike Welch Legacy Build)
- For Donations and In-Kind Gifts, contact Lacie@HabitatLS.org or (352) 483-0434 x 146
Contact:
For additional questions or inquiries please email MikeWelchLegacyBuild@gmail.com for more information.
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