Mckinney Courier-gazette > News
Local Marine and family receive mortgage-free home
Photo courtesy of Smiles Charity - Sgt. Andrew Litz, second from right, and his family broke ground with members of Smiles Charity last month to celebrate the construction of the Litzs' new home in Gunter.
By Kelley Chambers, kchambers@starlocalnews.com, @KelleyChambers7 on Twitter
Sgt. Andrew Litz and his family broke ground with members of the community last month to celebrate the construction of their new home in Gunter. The Litz family will receive a mortgage-free home courtesy of Smiles Charity and Operation Finally Home, who anticipate the home will be complete by the end of April.
On his third tour in April of 2005, Litz - who was lead commander for his unit - was hit by an IED while riding in a Humvee. Litz suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him with debilitating, lifelong side effects.
"I think that being honored was unbelievable and unexpected," Litz said. "Being honored is just that, a great honor. And I'm very grateful for what everyone from Smiles Charity and Operation Finally Home has done. I just hope that I can pay what has been given to me forward to another veteran or veterans in need."
Smiles Charity works with Operation Finally Home to build homes for wounded military heroes, raising money by hosting several fundraising events each year.
Smiles Charity is a nonprofit organization founded to benefit charitable organizations that build homes for deserving families. The group utilizes a unique fundraising concept through its annual concert.
Thanks to the Smiles Charity Concert and Festival, held in McKinney over Memorial Day weekend, the groups were able to raise $115,000 through cash donations made by concertgoers and corporate sponsors.
In its first three years, Smiles Charity benefitted Habitat for Humanity and helped build three homes for three deserving McKinney families. In 2011, it partnered with Operation Finally Home to help fund the build of two homes for wounded soldiers.
The concert event, which drew 6,000 fans in its first year and grew to 15,000 fans in 2011, allows local businesses to provide goods and services to the community, thus helping spur economic stability in the area, said Jennifer Buchanan, founder and president of Smiles Charity. All net proceeds raised during the concert event go towards providing the homes.
"It has been such a blessing to work with the Litz family who are truly deserving of a home," Buchanan said. "Sgt. Litz is a true hero who has served his country twice. It is the least we can do to show our gratitude to build the Litz family a home. Smiles Charity is honored to be able to assist the Litz family in a dream come true."
On his third tour in April of 2005, Litz - who was lead commander for his unit - was hit by an IED while riding in a Humvee. Litz suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him with debilitating, lifelong side effects.
"I think that being honored was unbelievable and unexpected," Litz said. "Being honored is just that, a great honor. And I'm very grateful for what everyone from Smiles Charity and Operation Finally Home has done. I just hope that I can pay what has been given to me forward to another veteran or veterans in need."
Smiles Charity works with Operation Finally Home to build homes for wounded military heroes, raising money by hosting several fundraising events each year.
Smiles Charity is a nonprofit organization founded to benefit charitable organizations that build homes for deserving families. The group utilizes a unique fundraising concept through its annual concert.
Thanks to the Smiles Charity Concert and Festival, held in McKinney over Memorial Day weekend, the groups were able to raise $115,000 through cash donations made by concertgoers and corporate sponsors.
In its first three years, Smiles Charity benefitted Habitat for Humanity and helped build three homes for three deserving McKinney families. In 2011, it partnered with Operation Finally Home to help fund the build of two homes for wounded soldiers.
The concert event, which drew 6,000 fans in its first year and grew to 15,000 fans in 2011, allows local businesses to provide goods and services to the community, thus helping spur economic stability in the area, said Jennifer Buchanan, founder and president of Smiles Charity. All net proceeds raised during the concert event go towards providing the homes.
"It has been such a blessing to work with the Litz family who are truly deserving of a home," Buchanan said. "Sgt. Litz is a true hero who has served his country twice. It is the least we can do to show our gratitude to build the Litz family a home. Smiles Charity is honored to be able to assist the Litz family in a dream come true."
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