In May, Ibis Charities Foundation participated in a ceremony marking the completion of its third project with Building Homes for Heroes for Master Sergeant Francis “Frankie” Reilly. Ibis Charities Foundation funded this home project last year with a $100,000 donation, with Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup.
Two decades after an accident while serving in the United States Air Force pararescue unit resulted in leg injuries and a traumatic brain injury compounded by PTSD, this past Monday Master Sergeant Reilly and his family walked into his new mortgage-free home, thanks to the generosity of Ibis Charities Foundation, Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup. After moving dozens of times during his 24-year military career, the Reillys finally had a place they could call their own. It includes a pool in the backyard and a workout room filled with machines for Reilly, a Paralympic cycling athlete.
“This is one of the greatest days in my life, next to the day I got married and the day my three children were born,” Reilly said. “To say this home is a gift is an understatement,” he continued. “It’s a symbol of hope and a testament of boundness and goodness. It’s a place where we can establish lasting memories.”
Monday’s ceremony was attended by more than 200 people who lined the street as a procession of police cars, a firetruck and fellow veterans led the family to the home.
Wayne Crowder, president of The Club at Ibis board of directors and retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, represented Ibis at the ceremony. “We are blessed to live where we do, and we don’t take that lightly,” said Crowder. “It is a privilege for us to be able to contribute to a project like this. To see Master Sergeant Reilly and his family here experience the joy and pride of their new home while feeling the respect of the community is special. This is a contribution, but it is given in respect and honor to his service and for his family’s support.”
Reilly said he had never heard of The Club at Ibis until he learned of their donation last year to start the project. Now, he feels a part of that community. “The residents at Ibis … To not know someone and to step up and help them build a home … that’s our mantra in the USA, to stand up for others who have fallen.”
Click here to view media coverage of the event.