Ribbon cutting previews Dream Home open houses

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - On Friday, a crowd gathered at the St Jude Dream Home in Colorado Springs to cut the ribbon on this year’s home.

It’s the 14th Dream Home to be built in Colorado Springs. Friday’s event was a sneak preview for VIPs, ahead of open houses starting on Saturday.

Grace Covington with Empire Homes, the builders of the last twelve Dream Homes, said it was a chance for trade partners that have donated to the cause to get the first look at the home and celebrate the impact for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Covington’s mother, Terry Goddard, is an artist who lead the participants in the event in painting a landscape that will hang in the home.

Adi Mazza, a local eight year old (turning nine next week) used the event to help raise additional money for St Jude. According to Covington, Adi has raised more than $82,000 over the last five years.

This year, her goal is $75,000. Empire Homes purchased art and baked goods from Addie for the event.

“I just like to help the kids get better so they can go home to their family and pets and just have a good life,” she said.

Adi said she started helping St Jude when she was three years old and hopes to work there or as a veterinarian when she grows up. Details about her fundraisers are available on Facebook.

The Dream Home, at 9775 Feathergrass Drive in Banning Lewis Ranch, will be open to tours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays through June 20.

This year’s giveaway is scheduled for June 24.