Arc’s 20th Great Home Giveaway opens with Parade of One Aug. 4

• Tickets on sale for Nov. 15 drawing; winner has choice of a new home or $100,000 in cash

Staff Report

The much-anticipated tours of The Arc’s 20th Annual Great Home Giveaway home will begin Saturday, Aug. 4, with a “Parade of One,” which will run Aug. 4-12.

The raffle house is at 8480 Blue River Road, Rockford (near the Northern Illinois University Rockford campus), and will be open noon-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, and 5-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The winner will be drawn Nov. 15 live on WTVO-Channel 17’s 6 p.m. news, and can select a $100,000 cash prize or the house.

This year’s house prize is an accessible 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch-style home being built by Howlett Homes. Features include open great-room floor plan; cathedral ceilings; custom painting; beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; huge pantry; first-floor laundry; large master suite with his/her walk-in closets and custom shower; two-car garage; in-ground irrigation and much more.

Staging this year is provided by Direct Value Furniture, Mary’s By Design and ModernSpace/Techline Furniture.

“Even after 20 years, this event continues to be a huge success due to the incredible volunteer spirit of people and businesses in our three-county area who understand the value of The Arc’s services to the community,” said Jacki Neil-Boss, Arc executive director. “We literally could not accomplish such huge tasks without a tremendous amount of donations and volunteer hours.”

Tickets are $20 each, three for $50 (through Aug. 12), seven for $100, 15 for $200 or 50 for $500. They can be purchased the following ways:

1. RockfordGreatHomeGiveaway.com

2. Phone: (815) 965-3455

3. Arc office: 1222 E. State St., Rockford

4. Outlets: Logli, Hilander, Benson Stone Co., Belvidere Pacemaker, Luxury Bath, Al Grace Appliance, Direct Value Furniture, River Valley Kitchen & Bath.

5. Open House — Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. (hours after the Parade of One).

Proceeds benefit The Arc, helping families to raise children diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability at home and supporting adults to live in their communities, participating with work, family and friends.

The Arc is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit arcwbo.org for more information.

From the Aug. 1-7, 2012, issue