On Monday, July 14, 2008 at 12:00 p.m., there will be an official grand opening celebration ceremony to kick-off the 3rd annual "Home of Hope" event. "Home of Hope" is a local fundraising effort organized by Granville Homes to help eight local non-profit organizations achieve their mission of helping those in need. Since its inception in 2006, this effort has raised nearly $1 million dollars to help valley families in need.

This year the Granville "Home of Hope" is located northwest Fresno in the La Ventana Community. The home is a single story 2,029 square foot home with three bedrooms, a dinning room and two and a half bathrooms. The home is centrally located within the award winning Central Unified School District. Granville Homes and its subcontractors have donated the materials, supplies and labor to construct this house.

"The Home of Hope was created in an effort to help those who are less fortunate. This is our way of making a difference in the community and help in the fight against hunger," said Darius Assemi, Principal of Granville Homes. "This home will help feed thousands of individuals, children and seniors that go hungry everyday."

Those wishing to participate in the raffle can purchase tickets for $100 each and will be eligible to win the grand prize of a brand new Granville Home. Ticket buyers will also be eligible to win numerous other prizes, including a $1,000 gift certificate for Warner Co. Jewelers and a Clawson Motorsport Utility ATV valued at more than $5,000 dollars.

Those wishing to participate in the raffle are encouraged to purchase tickets that available now through October 11, 2008. For tickets go to Home of Hope or call (559) 354-6778.

The following eight non-profit organizations will receive 100% of the proceeds from the "Home of Hope" fundraiser:

Community Food Bank - For every $1 donated to the Community Food Bank they are able to provide 8 times that value to the hungry in our community. Community Food Bank serves over 145,000 people annually at its 170 distribution sites within a three county area.

Poverello House - Funds from this effort will enable the Poverello House to continue meeting its mission each day by providing emergency meals, medical services, temporary shelter and many other services to the poor and homeless in our community.

Hinds Hospice - Angel Babies Program - one of only a few in the state of California and of a handful in the nation, this prenatal hospice provides support for pregnant women whose unborn child is diagnosed with a terminal illness or who have experienced infant loss. Over 1,500 families have been helped in the six years this program has existed.

Assistance League - Operation School Bell - 100% of the donation will go towards new clothing, hygiene kits and school supplies for K-6 children in need in Fresno County. Over 15,000 Fresno County children have benefited from this program.

Foundation for Fresno Schools - The Home of Hope funds will directly benefit the lowest-performing students in Fresno Unified by investing in school programs that provide one-on-one teaching and mentoring to increase students' academic performance and prepare students to be career ready. The Home of Hope will also provide hope to our neediest students by making college a reality through the Fresno Unified College Scholarship Fund.

Foundation for Clovis Schools - Project Smart - Mentoring program for at risk students in the 4th - 8th grades. Many of the participants have failing grades, poor attendance, live in low socio-economic environments or are exposed to drug/alcohol abuse, gang activity or family violence.

Foundation for Central Schools - A portion of the funds provided will be used to purchase over 700 coats for children in need of warm clothing during the winter months. The balance of the funds will be used to fund teacher and school site grants designed to enhance student achievement.

Foundation for Sanger Schools - Funds from Home of Hope will go towards supporting teacher grants designed to raise student achievement in the classroom.

The Grand Opening Celebration takes place Monday, July 14 at noon at 6979 W. Stuart Ave.