By Don Grigas

There’s a treasured adage that says charity begins in the home.

On Oct. 14, in the Fairways of Augusta village subdivision of Bolingbrook, Doug Overstreet of Bolingbrook-based Overstreet Builders Inc. took the idiom to a different level when he presented a check to representatives of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago for $170,000.

The check presentation took place at Lot 802 - 1862 Pampas Circle- where Overstreet and 55 contractors constructed a new home over the past few months, one the builder said should sell within the next few months.

The consortium of volunteers took part in the effort to build an upscale home - one of 120 homes to be constructed over the next few years by Overstreet in the subdivision - and then donate the profits to the American Red Cross to assist relief efforts for areas damaged by recent hurricanes.

John Hines, a Joliet resident who serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, accepted the check from Overstreet in a ceremony attended by contractors and local officials.

We are extremely appreciative of the substantial donation, and of the community support behind this project,” said Hines, who also is the president of the Will County Board of Health. “It is important that this effort was initiated voluntarily by Doug Overstreet, and received the full support of the village of Bolingbrook and Mayor Roger Claar.

Hines said he was “extremely surprised” at the size of the donation because prior to the ceremony he had been informed the donation was to be closer to $130,000.

The $173,000 represents all of Overstreet’s anticipated profits, plus various levels of profits donated by the contractors, whose services ranged from raw material suppliers and all tradesmen to financiers and real estate companies.

The home will list $649,000 once it is completed, Overstreet said.

“The original goal was to try and raise $100,000; I never dreamed it would get to this level,” said Overstreet, a resident of Yorkville. “I think this really shows what cab be accomplished when we work together. …Because of everyone’s generosity, we were able to nearly double our initial goal of $100,000.

In addition to the check for $173,000, Overstreet said he will contribute an additional $3,000 for each home sold by Dec. 31.

Overstreet said he felt the need to organize a relief effort shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of Louisiana and Mississippi Aug. 28 and 29, and began enlisting the help of contractors who regularly do business with him.

"They all wanted to contribute in some way, so we came up with a plan to provide their services at a reduced rate, and we would pool those funds and donate them to the (relief) effort,” Overstreet said.

Jeff Brown, president of FE Wheaton, material supplier to Overstreet Builders Inc., said he committed to the project as soon as Overstreet called him.

“If is such a worthwhile cause, I knew I wanted to be part of the team as soon as Doug called,” said Brown, a Wheaton resident.

Although Brown would not disclose how much his profit-reduction added to the kitty, he acknowledged “we didn’t make any frofit off of the building of the home.”

Tom Martin, co-owner of Yorkville-based Martin Plumbing, said those who contributed did not do so out of any particular need for self-glorification.

“Hopefully our action will inspire others to do something to help others,” Martin said…