Pardee volunteers build playhouse

A new tradition will be launched today as HomeAid of Southern Nevada unveils the first Project Playhouse in The District at Green Valley Ranch, according to Kathleen Baker, the charity's executive director. Valued at more than $20,000, the Toy Shoppe Playhouse will be on display until Dec. 15, when a drawing will determine the winner of the kid-sized dream home.

Family activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today include holiday photos, clowns and a magician. In addition, those who purchase raffle tickets at $5 each $20 for $5 will receive a free hot chocolate from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in The District.

The event will benefit HomeAid's Shelter Development Program in the Las Vegas area.

"Some lucky family is going to have a wonderful new playhouse and other lucky families will receive help with temporary shelter. Everyone is a winner," Baker said.

This year's Toy Shoppe Playhouse was built by volunteers from Pardee Homes, Sunrise Carpentry, and other HomeAid supporters. Event sponsors include Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, Colonial Bank and American Nevada Co.

"The materials, workmanship and details will set this playhouse apart from a ready-made fort you can buy in a store," said Klif Andrews, Southern Nevada Division president for Pardee and HomeAid.

More than 150 volunteers will sell raffle tickets at the playhouse display in The District for chances to win the 8-by-10-by-10-foot finely crafted and furnished playhouse.

Other companies contributing to Project Playhouse include Builders Showcase Interiors of Nevada, Premier Electric, Statewide Lighting Center Inc., Gothic Landscape, Reyburn Landscape, Landscape Lighting Connection/Horner Bros. Electric, Landaco Ladndscape and Grading, Norman's Nursery, Alexander's Masonry, Inc., Executive Plastering, T&R Painting and Drywall, Cooper Roofing, Eagle Sentry and SelectBuild Nevada.

In addition to the local Project Playhouse, Pardee Homes has built seven other playhouses this year on behalf of HomeAid that and have been exhibited at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.