Win a House for $50

[Summerbunny]

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Mountain home to be raffled off for $50

By Jennifer Brett

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The housing market’s grim. Philanthropic dollars are scarce. Here’s a creative response to both problems: A shot at a $595,000 house for just 50 bucks.

Montaluce Winery and Estates in Dahlonega is partnering with Sandy Springs-based Solidarity School, a Catholic preschool for children from low-income families, for a unique raffle. Whoever wins the July 6 drawing gets the keys to one of Montaluce’s new homes, and an additional $100,000 to pay the taxes.

The home, designed by Harrison Design Associates, is an 1,800 square-foot, three bedroom, three bath house with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, courtyard with outdoor fireplace and a terrace off the upstairs bedroom. Buy as many $50 tickets as you like at www.solidarityschool.org/House_Raffle.htm.

Developer Brent Beecham hopes the raffle will help raise the profile of Montaluce —- a 400-acre spread fronting the Etowah River and Chattahoochee National Forest —- while doing some good.

“I’m excited to be able to raise some money for these guys,” said Beecham, one of the partners behind the 3-year-old development.

Solidarity, which opened in 2001, serves many children for whom English is a second language. The annual cost to educate a child is $7,000, far beyond the means of students’ families.

“Funding is down for the school,” said Jamie Arthur, head of school at Solidarity. “We were desperate. This suggestion came about and we are so excited.”