s tat el i n eI<strong>Home</strong> Building <strong>Association</strong><strong>of</strong> RichmondRichmond builder, developerrecognized for lifetime<strong>of</strong> philanthropyRobert Atack, president <strong>of</strong> Atack Properties,recently received the prestigiousHearthstone/BUILDER Humanitarian Awardfor his philanthropy and lifetime commitmentto helping others. The award, whichincludes a donation <strong>of</strong> $150,000 to charities<strong>of</strong> Atack’s choosing, was presented duringIBS activities in Orlando.Atack’s charitable giving has centeredon his hometown <strong>of</strong> Richmond, where hehas donated millions <strong>of</strong> dollars and countlesshours to a variety <strong>of</strong> organizationsduring the last 20 years. “I am exceptionallyhonored to receive this award,”says Atack, “People’s legacies,” he says,“are so much defined by what they’veaccumulated. A legacy is better definedby what they do.”Presented annually by San Rafael-basedHearthstone, the largest institutional investorin residential development projects in theUnited States, and Hanley Wood, publisher<strong>of</strong> BUILDER Magazine, the Hearthstone/BUILDER Humanitarian Award recognizesindividuals who have demonstrated a lifetimecommitment to public service.Nominees are for-pr<strong>of</strong>it, single-familybuilders or lot developers and may becompanies, employees or owners. Winnersare selected by a panel <strong>of</strong> judges, withspecial attention given to those builderswho use their talents to provide housing forthe under-privileged or otherwise enhancethe quality <strong>of</strong> life in their communities.During the past seven years, the award hasbestowed nearly $4 million to humanitariancauses throughout the nation.Among his many philanthropic endeavors,Atack was introduced to GoodSamaritan Ministries 10 years ago andhas been actively involved with many <strong>of</strong>the mission’s projects. This has includedrenovating two apartment complexes inRichmond to provide 78 apartment unitsfor transitional and affordable communityhousing for graduates <strong>of</strong> the GSM programs.The renovations were completedin two phases between 2002 and 2006.These projects raised $3.8 million throughcapital campaigns <strong>of</strong> which Atack gave $1.5million and helped raise an additional $1million through community contacts for theapartment renovation projects.Without understanding why, Atack believesthat his philanthropy has also madea difference in his business success. “Itseems the more I give, the better I do,”he says. “Being involved in the mission hasstrengthened my faith because I see theresults.” Next, he hopes to help the missionexpand its school before he retires.Richmonder Robert Atack, who founded Atack Properties in 1985, was recently honored with theHearthstone/BUILDER Lifetime Public Service Award. This award recognizes building industry leaderswho have made a conscientious effort to help people in or near the communities they serve.Gary W. Parker with Central <strong>Virginia</strong>Housing Coalition was elected a Life Director<strong>of</strong> the Fredericksburg Area HBA.Shawn Sweeney won Augusta HBA’sDrive Away Vacation <strong>of</strong> $500 for bringingin the most new members in 2006. Herecruited six new members.Established wealth management andtrusts and estates attorneys, A. EverettHoeg and Lisa M. Hughes, have joinedVenable LLP’s northern <strong>Virginia</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice aspartner and <strong>of</strong> counsel, respectively. Bothlawyers arrive from Reed Smith LLP,where they have practiced together forthe past 15 years.Sherman Reece, founder <strong>of</strong> SuperiorEquipment Sales in Chesapeake, and his wife,Nancy, recently made a $50,000 contributionto TBA’s Building Trades Academy.Sasser Construction LC <strong>of</strong> Portsmouthrecently was selected to receivethe 2006 Pacesetter Award for CustomerService by Custom <strong>Home</strong> magazine.(See stateline, page 38)36 <strong>Virginia</strong> Builder <strong>April</strong> <strong>2007</strong>II<strong>Home</strong> <strong>Builders</strong> <strong>Association</strong><strong>of</strong> Southside <strong>Virginia</strong>A productive <strong>2007</strong> so farThe HBA <strong>of</strong> Southside’s membershipmeetings during January, February and Marchfeatured very informative speakers whoaddressed job-site security, the EarthCraftProgram and the expansion <strong>of</strong> Fort Leeas it relates to the building industry.In conjunction with the National Taste<strong>of</strong> <strong>Home</strong>, HBASSV held its annual cookingschool fundraiser Feb. 20.Upcoming events include a fashion show, agolf tournament and Parade <strong>of</strong> <strong>Home</strong>s.Piedmont <strong>Virginia</strong>Building Industry <strong>Association</strong>Trees all aroundThe PVBIA Outreach Committee, alongwith several other community organizations,has proposed to raise funds to plant treeson Culpeper’s Main Street in accordancewith the Town’s Visioning Plan.Individuals or organizations would donatea set amount to adopt a specific tree. Theywould receive an engraved stone belowthe selected tree to commemorate theirparticipation. PVBIA’s Outreach Committeechairman, Kevin Shreiner, and volunteer AlexCannon will spearhead the fundraising.INames in the news
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