Ron Bishop (left) congratulates Mal Murray, who was named this year's winner of Our Towns Habitat for Humanity's Bishop Award. (David Boraks photo)

Our Towns Habitat for Humanity recently gave its 2009 Ronald E, Bishop Leadership award to volunteer Mal Murray. The award is named for longtime volunteer Ron Bishop, and was given to Mr. Murray this year for exceptional leadership.

Mr. Murray has served many years with our affiliate working on the Land Committee, Finance Committee, the Community Council, two terms on the Board, and 3 1/2 years as chairman. “He is the quiet person in the background that is always available to staff in offering his sage advice,” the group said in an announcement.

Also in this column: News about how a 12-year-old Woodlawn School student has organized a fund-raising dog show to aid local shelters. …

The award was given April 25 at the organization’s Racin’ Rockin’ and Roofin’ party at Raceworld in Cornelius. The event was held to celebrate the “Affiliate of the Year” award, which recognized Our Towns Habitat for Humanity as one of Habitat’s top local organizations in the country.

Brooke Phillips and Roxie, the inspiration for her Helping Paws dog show fund-raieser.

HELPING PAWS DOG SHOW

The Helping Paws Dog Show coming up on May 16 at Woodlawn School is the brainchild of 12-year-old Brooke Phillips, a Woodlawn School sixth grader. The event will raise money for area pet shelters.

Brooke’s family adopted a dog named Roxie from Project Halo on Brooke’s 10th birthday. Ever since, she has been eager to help other families and dogs find one another, according to mom Sally Phillips.

Brooke was inspired to hold the dog show by her own experience, plus the animal advocacy work that her class is doing as part of a service learning project. More information about the show below, and in our March 31 news item.

FUND-RAISING CALENDAR

Scene from the 2008 Habitat for Humanity Car Show.

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity hosts its 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show. Categories include sports cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, hot rods and show cars. With food, drawings, a DJ and dancing. All proceeds will help fund the 4th Youth United Habitat home. Tickets $1 general admission. Car Show entry fees are $20 for early registration and $25 the day of the event. To register a vehicle, please contact Sarah Heithoff at 704-896-9657, ext. 1120, or seithoff@ourtownshabitat.org. For more information, visit www.ourtownshabitat.org.

THROUGH MAY 10, Overlook neighborhood, Mountain Island Lake, Huntersville – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity offer tours of the “High Performance Home by Schreiner Custom Homes,” built with eco-friendly materials and products. Public tours will raise funds for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.HighPerformanceHomeNC.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.

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