8/31/2005

Mercedes Homes' Executive Honored With Statewide Award

Melbourne, Fla. (August 31, 2005) — Mercedes Homes is pleased to announce that Scott Buescher, chief operating officer of the nationally-regarded home builder, has been awarded the R. David Thomas Award by the Children’s Home Society. 

Named for philanthropist R. David Thomas, an adopted child who became the founder of Wendy's International, the Child Advocate of the Year Award recognizes individuals and groups who have made a significant impact toward improving the lives of homeless, neglected and abused children throughout Florida. Award recipients have given their time, talent, and financial resources and have also set a standard of excellence toward ensuring a better world for future generations.

“Scott Buescher and Mercedes Homes have spent countless hours volunteering at the Hacienda Girls Ranch in Melbourne, ” said Teresa Miles, executive director of the Children’s Home Society.  “It was Mr. Thomas’ hope that this award would serve as a catalyst to inspire people to improve opportunities for Florida’s children, and Scott, along with everyone at Mercedes Homes, is just a shining example of Mr. Thomas’ dream come true.”

Like many homes, the Hacienda Girls Ranch in Melbourne, operated by the Children’s Home Society of Florida, suffered damage as a result of the devastating 2004 hurricane season. Mercedes Homes, a long-time supporter of the facility that houses up to 45 girls ages 10-18 and provides a number of outreach programs to children and families, decided the girls deserved a “Mercedes Makeover.”

After countless hours of working with Hacienda staff and the Children’s Home Society, combining forces with local trade partners and suppliers and enlisting local employees to complete some of the work, Mercedes Homes recently unveiled the refurbished Hacienda Girls Ranch.

The makeover included new interior and exterior paint, landscaping, new bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures and carpet. Other improvements included driveway paving and mural decoration.

Mercedes Homes actively participates in many programs that give back to the community.  The home builder has a charitable contributions committee, whose mission is to make charitable donations to organizations and groups in geographic areas where Mercedes Homes conducts business.  The committee focuses their donations primarily to organizations helping individuals with special needs, whether medical, physical or developmental, academic programs and scholarship funds, youth programs, construction-related charitable organizations and community service.