October 6, 2006 Sign Unveiling and Presentation of $50,000 Donation from Dedham Savings

October 6, 2006 was a special day for Needham Interfaith Habitat.

On that day, representatives of the Needham Clergy Association, the NIH Committee and supporters unveiled the sign at the corner of Brookline and Bancroft Streets announcing this site as location of Needham's first Habitat home. NIH co-chair Tim McCleary served as Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony began with an opening prayer and discussion by Reverand John Buehrens of First Parish of Needham Unitarian Universalist Church. Then Rabbi Jay Perlman of Temple Beth Shalom discussed how his Temple's year-long Abraham Project (elsewhere on this page) is connecting sacred text to the issue of housing. Greater Boston Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lark Palermo explained that although Boston has done many Habitat homes, the Needham House was special. Finally, Dedham Savings President Bill Gothorpe explained the reasons for the Bank's long term commitment to Habitat, and presented a generous check for $50,000.00 to Lark Palermo. NIH co-chair Reverend Caroline Edge of United Methodist Church, the driving force behind this project, explained how NIH started and its importance. She then offered a closing prayer. The Dedham Savings donation has brought us close to our goal of $220,000.

Reverend Buherens Offers Welcome and Opening Prayer Rabbi Jay Perlman explains Temple Beth Shalom's Abraham Project In back (left to right) are Bill Tilburg and Rabbi Carl Perkins of Temple Aliyah Greater Boston Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lark Palermo (left) Dedham Savings President Bill Gothorpe (center) Presents Donation NIH Co-Chairs Reverend Caroline Edge and Tim McCleary Flowers Donated and Planted by Temple Beth Shalom Garden Club Enthusiastic Conversations Followed