Paul Axtell, president and chief executive officer of Classic American Homes, was named NEFBA February Member of the Month in recognition of his involvement with the Donna Hicken Foundation, which benefits First Coast women battling breast cancer.
First Coast News anchor Donna Hicken, a two-time breast cancer survivor, established the foundation to help patients and their families with basic needs such as medication, child care, groceries, utilities, housing and insurance co-payments.
For Axtell, the commitment to help the Donna Hicken Foundation is personal.
“I had a close friend who died of breast cancer last year,” Axtell said. “She had three children and suffered through two bouts of treatment.”
Axtell’s friend, like many women in a similar situation, depleted all her resources while battling the disease. The Donna Hicken Foundation and its mission were compelling to Axtell.
Axtell and Classic American undertook a special project on behalf of the foundation. Called Give Hope a Home, the project involves building a home that will be sold to raise money for the foundation.
Classic American is building a 1,700-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath home in Bonaparte Crossing. Among the home’s highlights will be a tiled foyer; a stunning kitchen with 42-inch upper cabinets, microwave and glass top range; and a lavish owner’s bathroom with standup tiled shower, garden tub, dual vanities and large walk-in closet.
Now in drywall, the home already has been sold, and Axtell said the benefit to the foundation will be significant.
“The new homeowners are delighted to be a part of this worthwhile project,” Axtell said. “Since many of the subcontractors and vendors are donating labor and materials, the cost to build the house will be well below normal costs. We anticipate a significant contribution to result from this endeavor.”
Axtell has been involved with many other charitable efforts such as HabiJax, the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, Builders Care and projects at his church.
Axtell said much of the credit for the success of the Give Hope a Home project belongs to the Classic American Home team.
“Our staff is a very caring group,” Axtell said. “Everyone deserves to win an award for their efforts, and we appreciate the support from our subcontractors and vendors.”
Hicken acknowledged the importance of the project.
“The need for women on the First Coat is greater than ever, and the Give Hope a Home house is going to be a tremendous fund-raising and public-awareness opportunity,” Hicken said. “Together, Classic American Homes and The Donna Hicken Foundation will be helping so many First Coast women with breast cancer.”
Axtell said he appreciated the honor of being selected the NEFBA Member of the Month but was reluctant to take all the credit for the Give Hope a Home house.
“Our employees, our subcontractors and vendors all share in the credit for this worthwhile project,” Axtell said. “Our Association has been a major factor in our business success, and it is an honor to receive this recognition from the Association on behalf of all who share in it.”
Axtell serves on the NEFBA 2004 Board of Directors.