For the first time Suffolk can win a dream house

Published 7:29 pm Friday, April 22, 2022

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In the current housing market, many have had to put their dream house on hold. But not St. Jude.

For the first time in its 22 years in Hampton Roads, the St. Jude Dream House for 2022 is located in Suffolk — in the Nansemond Reserve neighborhood on Justify Lane near Sleepy Hole Road.

The St. Jude Dream House is an annual fundraiser that sells $100 raffle tickets for the chance to win a single-family home. This year St. Jude is giving away more than 40 homes across the country, ranging in value from $300,000 to $700,000.

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“This is our first time in Suffolk, which is very exciting,” said Kaitlin Roberts, senior regional development director for Virginia for St. Jude. “The size and specifications of this house are also really noteworthy.”

The Suffolk house is nearly 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms and an estimated value of $550,000. Taylor Construction donated time and materials to build the house along with many other sponsors who make the fundraiser possible.

The house is not the only prize. Buying tickets early can enter folks in a drawing for other prizes, including a baseball suite package courtesy of 97.3 The Eagle. Those who participate in a free open house tour are entered to win a $10,000 shopping spree at Value City Furniture.

“People have a really great opportunity to tour the house this year,” said Roberts. “It’s fully staged by one of our sponsors, Value City Furniture.”

The free tours will run from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays May 7 through June 12. Due to COVID-19, this is the first time in two years that tours are possible.

All money raised from the fundraiser goes directly to St. Jude in its fight against childhood cancer. Families never pay St. Jude for any of its services, including treatment, housing, travel and food. One $100 raffle ticket can cover two platelet tests or six meals for a St. Jude family.

“We can only sell a limited number of tickets, so when they sell out, they sell out,” said Roberts. “The earlier that people buy, the better.”

The drawing for all prizes will take place on June 15 on WTKR News 13. Purchase tickets in person at a Hampton Roads Southern Bank location or online at tinyurl.com/SuffolkDreamHome.