(excerpt from the June 2015 issue of Society Charlotte magazine – societycharlotte.com) Written by Jennifer Wilson | Photos by Dianna Augustine

Gorgeous weather and great energy graced the Building Communities Cotswold Home Tour Benefit, presented by Ashland Custom Homes, on Saturday, May 9. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed the beautiful day by touring homes in the Cotswold community and learning about several local charities.

The four properties opened for touring contained a mixture of design styles, as well as a mix of new construction and major designbuild renovations. Visitors to each property were introduced to several possibilities for their own houses and told about the challenges and advantages of creating their very own “dream home.”

Food from Chick-Fil-A and Leroy Fox was provided, and many guests also participated in a raffle. Popular items included a yoga package, a Flywheel Sports gift certificate and a “Kid’s Package” that came with a free haircut and a toy store gift card.

100% of the ticket sales benefitted four local charities: the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Bee Mighty, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Friendship Trays. Over $4,000 was raised from ticket sales and the raffle, and the total was split evenly among the organizations.

“Several years back, someone referred to my business as something greater than building houses-he said it was like a ministry,” said Howie Webb, Founder and President of Ashland Custom Homes. “That was a long time ago, and now I’m finally at a place that I know we definitely are more than just building houses. We are able to lift other people up and give back. That’s what this event was all about.”