Duck Race nets $16,000 for Skinner Family, work continues on home
By Jill Boomer
The Jersey County Star
JERSEYVILLE - Work continues to proceed on the Skinner Dream Home being built by community volunteers, and the recent proceeds from the Duck Race will help a great deal.

Kim Hawkes, one of the coordinators of the project, said approximately $16,000 was received from the sale of tickets for the race and that money will go into the general fund.

“We are moving right along,” Hawkes said about the construction of the house.

“Exterior doors will be added and then the heating, cooling and plumbing can begin,” she continued.

She credited volunteers Eric Pointer and Mark Vanausdoll and their crews, who have signed on to put in the electrical work, Dave Loellke for plumbing and Dave Cronin who will install the heating and cooling.
These business owners, she added, have either donated their supplies or are getting them at cost for the project.

After these are finished, insulation will be installed by a company from Marion, who is supplying the insulation materials and labor.

Hawkes forsees a lot of this work to be completed by October and she believes the family will definitely be in by Christmas.

“When these things get in, things will start to be completed pretty fast,” she said.

She also credited contractor Jerry McIntyre and his crews for spearheading the project.

“He, his sons and crews spent time last week framing in the elevator shaft and getting things ready,” she said. “We can’t say enough about his help.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about the project should visit the website www. skinnerdreamhouse.com.

To make a monetary donation, send a check to Friends of the Skinner Family Trust, Jersey State Bank, 1000 South State, Jerseyville, IL 62052.

For more information contact Hawkes at (618) 946-2846.

All the ducks were ready to go in last Thursday's "Duck Race" to benefit the Skinner Deam House. Held at the Grafton Marina, the event netted approximately $16,000 for the family. Aaron Ottis/thejcstar.com