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Foundations for the Future 2023

The KCHBA and its members recognize the importance of promoting the variety of rewarding careers available in residential construction and assisting local non-profit organizations that build communities. Foundations for the Future Week is an opportunity to support both missions. The most recent annual event took place March 28-April 1 at Union Station in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Foundations for the Future Week is comprised of the Parade of Playhouses, KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) competition and the Student & Industry Luncheon.

Seven area schools participated this year, including Basehor-Linwood High School, Independence School District, Liberty High School, Northland Career Center, Olathe Advanced Technical Center and Paola High School. Each school built a playhous to be displayed outside Union Station. Playhouse themes included a two story-garage “fungalow”, a historic schoolhouse, John Deere barn, Alice in Wonderland house with a detached garage, camper and a train. Local realtors hosted “open houses” for the playhouses and many KCHBA members donated materials. The public had the opportunity via online auction to bid on each playhouse and take one home for themselves. All auction proceeds benefitted Science City at Union Station. Thank you to

Ashner Construction and Bodine-Ashner Builders for once again sponsoring this year’s Parade of Playhouses.

KC MADE is a contest among high school students (grades 9-12) in construction and manufacturing programs. Projects are displayed within Science City during Foundations for the Future Week. Students are not limited in scope, having the freedom to enter everything from a tiny house to a dining room table. This year’s competition was the largest one to date, with 23 projects built by students from six schools.

Foundations for the Future Week is concluded with the Student and Industry Luncheon. Thank you to McCray Lumber and Millwork for sponsoring this event. The Student and Industry Luncheon brings students, their parents and educational leaders together to make connections and speak directly with professionals in the home-building industry. Several KCHBA members volunteered their time and provided activities for the students to participate in learning firsthand about different sectors of the construction industry. Thank you to the following companies:

Arrow Circle Electric (electrical activity), SVB Wood Floors (flooring activity), Construction Planning & Services (framing activity), Ashlar Homes (plot plan activity) and Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling (HVAC activity).

Winners of the KC MADE competition and the Parade of Playhouses are also announced during this time. KC MADE first, second and third place winners all received school grants ($1,000, $750 and $500), power tools and a plaque. Congratulations to the following:

Parade of Playhouses

Pick of the Parade – Paola High School, John Deere Barn

Best in Innovation – Northland Career Center, Camper Best in Craftsmanship – Basehor-Linwood High School, Two-Story with Garage

KC MADE

Showmanship - Kevin G. from Wyandotte High School, oak nightstand

People’s Choice - Hayden B. from Liberty High School, coffee table with display

First Overall – Jed T. from Shawnee Mission West High School, gaming table

Second Overall – Gunnar N. from Shawnee Mission West High School, poker table

Third Overall – Nicholas S. from Liberty High School, storage cabinet

Go to tinyurl.com/FFTF2023 for a full list of the 2023 Parade of Playhouses and KC MADE winners. Visit the KCHBA Facebook page (@kansascityhba) for photos of all Foundations for the Future events. Thank you to all the students who participated along with the educators and industry leaders involved in making this year’s Foundations for the Future Week a success!

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