Kiwanis Secretary Cas McBride, who is also Builders Club soonsor, said the club is committed to help the Geauga County Habitat for Humanity’s Youth United Build organization by raising up to $12,500 through ticket sales over the next six weeks.

The effort started as a Newbury Junior High Builder’s Club project, McBride said, in conjunction with Youth United Build, Habitat’s program for youngsters. Originally, the plan had been for the youngsters to build a playhouse and raffle it off, she said.

“We ended up buying it pre-built,” McBride said, after they considered the cost of materials. “Pine Craft Storage Barns worked with us on price.”

The final result is a six-by-10-foot “house” with a window, a covered front porch, a front door, a double side door and window boxes full of colorful flowers. Parked under a big tree, the playhouse will be ideal for sleep-outs, tea-parties or gardening.

An added benefit – free delivery within about 50 miles. Parked on a flatbed wagon, the playhouse is being trundled around to various events through the July 4 weekend by volunteer “hauler” Kiwanis member John Bond. It will be available for inspection at Junction Auto on June 14, the Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival Jun 18 – 21 and the Chesterland Fourth of July Parade. Tickets are $5 or five for $20 and are available in Newbury at Middlefield Bank, Geauga Savings Bank, Mangia Mangia, Bill’s Auto Body, Let’s Go Travel, and Hickory Lake Tavern, at Guilardi’s Hair Talk in Chesterland and at Chip’s Playhouse in Chardon. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (440) 564-5848 or email geaugahabitatpa@windstream.com. The winning ticket will be drawn on July 11 at a location to be determined, McBride said.

(This article was originally printed in the Geauga County Maple Leaf June 4 issue.)