Habitat homeowners, volunteers, board members and staff gathered recently at McCallie School to recognize the contributions of Don and Diane Barnes to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s home-building program.
The Barneses have worked as full-time volunteer construction site supervisors for more than 14 years.
A plaque from Habitat for Humanity International was presented to the couple in recognition of their selection as winners of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sumner McCallie, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga board president, introduced several people who spoke about how the couple’s service impacted their lives.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a scroll containing the names of partner families and funding partners with whom the Barneses have worked. As the scroll was unrolled, it eventually encircled the entire room, dramatically capturing the impact the two have had.
“The Barneses have invested their time in building homes for families, and in helping thousands of volunteers see Habitat’s work not just as an exercise in building a house, but in creating a home and a future for a family,” said Pete Palmer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.