| Ice Castle grand opening February 7 |
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University of Minnesota graduate oversees construction of 20-foot ice castle to benefit Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH).
Contact: Sharon Rolenc Minneapolis, Minn.-James Westin, a University of Minnesota graduate, along with members of the University of Minnesota's Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities Campus Chapter (TCCC) is building a three-story snow castle. Westin will host the grand opening of the snow castle in his back yard at 4501 Garrison Lane in Edina on Thursday February 7-Saturday February 9. During the grand opening, the ice castle will be open from 7:00-10:00 PM. Entrance is free with suggested donation with all of the net proceeds being donated to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) on behalf of TCCC. During hours, the snow castle will be illuminated with candles and tours will be available. Visitors are encouraged to wear warm clothing and boots with good traction, as the stairs get slippery from use. This isn't the first time Westin and his crews have constructed a castle of glittering snow and ice. In 2000, thousands of people, including visitors from France, traversed to Edina to tour the castle and donations totaled nearly $10,000. The spectacular wintertime event drew the attention of the local and national media including NBC's "Today" show, which did a live interview of Westin atop his castle. Visit www.secretsoftheiceages.com/icecastle to see photos from previous castles. The castle will be open for tours on following weekends as weather permits. About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Volunteer labor, donated materials and contributed funds are used to build and renovate homes in the Twin Cities area. Working under the faith-based principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the mortgages that it issues to homebuyers. Families who purchase Habitat homes are selected based on need, ability to repay the zero percent mortgage, and willingness to partner. Families put in 300-500 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build Habitat homes. Since 1985, TCHFH has built over 685 homes in the seven-county metro area and engages more than 20,000 volunteers a year. For more information, visit www.tchabitat.org. |
