Happy to be home for the holidays exemplifies how Lapri Holmes and her daughter, Baylie, feel about finally moving into their new home in Habitat for Humanity’s The Meadows at Plato Price community.
It’s been a long journey to homeownership for Holmes, who through a Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region, Airport Community Partnerships and CLT Charity Golf Tournament partnership, became a first-time homeowner, showing that Connections Don’t Just Happen at the Terminal.
“Being in my brand-new home has definitely been a blessing, and I am so, so, excited now that my furniture is coming in, everything is getting back to normal,” Holmes said.
CLT participates in a variety of community initiatives with the goal of improving the lives of local residents.
“The Airport and its business partners thrive, and we want our neighbors on the west side of Charlotte to thrive too. We believe we can make the biggest difference in our community when we come together. It’s a win-win,” said Community Engagement Manager Melissa Treadaway.
The CLT Charity Golf Tournament, which is operated by Airport Community Partnerships, began in 2019 and since has raised $361,800 for local charities. Airport Community Partnerships is comprised of companies that operate out of, are based in, or have business with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The group comes together annually to raise money for a non-profit supporting people who live near the Airport.
In 2022, the golf tournament raised $102,000 to help build Habitat Humanity homes in The Meadows at Plato Price for first-time homeowners in need. Holmes was one of many new homeowners able to purchase an affordable home in the neighborhood with the help of golf tournament funds.
On Halloween, Holmes and her daughter, moved in. Throughout November they unpacked and began bringing in furniture. For Thanksgiving, they celebrated at a family member’s home, but were glad to have a cozy, relaxing place to come to afterward. Near the end of November, furniture was delivered, and Holmes began thinking about Christmas decorations and other ways to brighten the house.
“Probably what I like the most are our brand-new beds. We have really nice bedroom sets, they’re both the tufted upholstered beds with headboards and footboards,” Holmes said.
With a gray, black, red and white color scheme in mind, Baylie, like her mom, is excited as she is looking for the perfect home decor. While family photos will be a must, Holmes also wants to add some art. “No particular type of art decided as of yet, but just whatever I feel is resonating with me,” she said. Home decorating for holiday season is top priority, including outside decorations.
“My home is everything that I could ever dream of, and I am so thankful to Habitat for picking me as a candidate and partnering with me and the other organizations to make me and Baylie’s dreams come true,” Holmes said.
Next year, the golf tournament will raise funds for the Charlotte Community Health Clinic’s location at the Goodwill Center on Wilkinson Boulevard.
“The Airport is an integral part of this community. I believe every community member should do what they can to lift up others who are less fortunate. Raising funds for organizations supporting our neighbors is just one of the many ways we do that,” Treadaway, said.