ROCHELLE — Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County has launched its second Stud A Thon fundraiser to support a new home build in Rochelle in 2027. Businesses, families and community groups can sponsor lumber studs for $250 each, three for $600 or six for $1,000, then decorate them with logos, signatures and messages for the future homeowners.
Sheri Anspaugh, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County, said the fundraiser gives donors a personal connection to the project.
“We had over 60 studs that were sponsored for the first time we did this in Davis Junction. And when we put those stud, decorated studs up in the home and just seeing all of those messages and businesses that supported the build, it was really neat, not just for us, but for the family because they could see how much the community supported them and that they were excited for them to become homeowners.”
The organization is reviewing applications from families interested in the home and hopes to select a family by Christmas. The home will be the organization’s 16th in Ogle County and its fourth in Rochelle. The selected family will partner in the construction process, contributing 200 hours of sweat equity per adult in the household, and receive an affordable mortgage with no interest. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, depending on weather conditions. Stud sponsors can use the lumber for holiday gatherings, business events and other activities before the decorated studs become part of the home. For more information or to get involved, visit Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County’s website or Facebook page, or call 815-222-8869.
