Once the renovation of the House was completed and we were again receiving guests, it was time to reconnect with our supporters, referrers, and community. We've had many opportunities along the way this year. It was our pleasure to reconnect with the extended relatives of the original owner of the House, Cator Woolford. We have entertained Cator Woolford Sparks, the great grandson, Happy Sparks, the great grand daughter and Angela Sparks and her sister Cator Hartley, both granddaughter's of Cator and Charlotte. They were so excited about the renovation that they helped renovate and furnish their grandmother's bedroom.
We also reconnected with our referrers. We held an open house
luncheon. Most of the chaplains and social workers from area hospitals had
never even been
to the House. We were pleased to show them our beautiful and comfortable
home.
Connecting with the Druid Hills neighborhood was also a goal of the Board.
We have stretched our boundaries and have been selected to host the 2006
Druid Hills Gala at our House. We thought this would be a great way for
our neighbors to learn about our mission.
Presently we are on a campaign to meet many of Atlanta's fine foundations and corporate supporters. Each month we have face-to-face meetings with foundations that could become supporters of the House.
Finally, we have been so blessed by the many churches and community groups who support our mission. Snellville United Methodist started the renovation of the original 1929 rock garden to the left of the House. Justin Ryerse, a future eagle scout has chosen the completion of the cleaning of the rock garden as his eagle scout project. The First Baptist of Decatur Mens group built us a fine and sturdy trash receptacle that will serve us well for many years. The Greek Orthodox Church in Decatur has chosen the House for their many holiday fundraisers. We look forward to continuing to work with each of these groups in 2006!
Renovation Completed -
Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House Reopened January 3rd
It's been a very long summer and just as the cold has blown into Atlanta
the Hospitality House has a new and fresh look. Closed since the middle
of May, the House underwent an extensive renovation including a new roof,
replastering every room, painting inside and out, refinishing floors, and
renovating the bathrooms. Small Carpenters at Large, a historic preservation
renovation company, was hired to manage and conduct the construction. "I
was pleased that we could work with a company that had extensive experience
with historic house renovations," said CJ Bolster, the AHHH board
chair. "They came with great knowledge and an eye for our limited
budget. We want to thank them for all that they did for us."Under all of the carpeting and wall paint we discovered very valuable assets, walnut flooring and walnut paneling. "I couldn't believe it when we pulled the carpet up, there was walnut and then when the library was being scraped, there is was again, walnut paneling," said Danny Fieg-Sandoval of Small Carpenters. The board decided not to paint the library again. We're going to wait until we can afford to restore the paneling which will be about $20,000.
The house was also supported by two interior designers that gave of their time and expertise and designed a layout for each of our bedrooms. Now, thanks to Barbara Dornbush of Dornbush Designs
and Dawn Douglas of Douglas
Designs, we have a plan for each bedroom. This will enable us to work with
corporate and civic donors to sponsor each of our bedrooms for furnishings.As most of you remember outside the House was kinda a dull grey. Barb and Dawn, the decorators, picked a beautiful pale yellow. It gave the house such a fresh look; very similar to the palest of flowers in the garden below. Additionally the Snellville United Methodist Church, led by Ken Kinlaw and others pruned and cleaned the grounds around the House.
We want to thank many of our supporters who have stuck by us and helped us achieve this goal. We want to thank the Woodruff Foundation, whose generosity has made this renovation possible and their understanding and patience was exceptional. We are very grateful. Thanks to those who stayed in the House when it was in such bad shape, and thanks to the Board of Directors who helped raise the money to renovate and the vision.
A Special thanks goes to the social workers and chaplains who could not refer guests to us over the long summer. We are sorry we could not help you over the summer and fall. We are in the process of furnishing and supplying the House with food, linens, and furniture before we can open.
We will notify all of our referrers shortly so that we can begin serving others.
