Commentary by Steve Furste
Help arrived to Habitat for Humanity of Boone County through a Brownsburg family with a creative idea – holiday lights. They provided not only an extensive holiday display to nearby residents, but also a $3,000 check for the next Habitat for Humanity home in Boone County.
Drs. Michael Kaufmann and Mary Riley, along with their children and with the help of RyBen Electric, designed and completed an outdoor Christmas light show at their Brownsburg home in mid-December. A display of over 4,000 lights synchronized to classical holiday music proved to be a real treat for both surrounding neighbors and families from all over the northwest side of Indianapolis. Adults and many families with children drove onto the Kaufmann’s driveway and parked to watch the 15-minute light show. The Kaufmann family, due to their passion for Habitat for Humanity, asked everyone visiting the site to consider leaving a small donation in a box located at the exit.
“This was a family effort as the children collected the donations each night and counted the money earmarked for Habitat of Boone County. Our family matched whatever we collected. We had over 1000 cars visit the light show, so it was a great success, and we really loved doing it,” Michael Kaufmann said. “We plan on doing another light show next year. RyBen Electric donated their labor for the Habitat cause. Thanks, everyone, for your generous donations.”
The funds will go toward the 2014 Apostles Build, which will begin in the spring.