When a windfall landed in their laps, Bill and Cheryl Kampa of Fort Myers, Florida, made a life-changing decision. Instead of investing it for themselves, they invested it for a family in need by sponsoring a home with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.
The Kampas—retired educators with Midwestern roots who met in Florida and married 20 years ago—are longtime supporters of Habitat. Through the years, both individually and together, they have raised funds, worked on build sites and helped other volunteers make the dream of a home a reality.
But none of it prepared them for how emotional it would be to attend the dedication of the home they sponsored last spring and hear from Deborah, the mom who received it.
Can you share how your journey of sponsoring a home began?
Bill: I was part of a lawsuit following the death of my previous wife. She had contracted cancer after being exposed to poisonous gases being spewed from a facility near where she worked. It took 20 years in the courts, but finally the case was settled. We talked to Melissa Kadrmas [our Thrivent financial consultant] about what we could do with the money from the settlement. She had some great suggestions, but we knew we didn’t really need the money. Cheryl suggested Habitat and supporting a family.
What made the home dedication so emotional for you?
Cheryl: This was when we really heard Deborah’s story for the first time. She shared the barriers she experienced in the process of getting her home. So many would have given up. She’s a single mom, and her motivation was her son, who’s in high school. She wanted a safe home and security for him.
Bill: Habitat offers people a hand up, not a handout. I’m not usually emotional, but Deborah worked so hard for her home. For us to be able to help her and her son with her dream was amazing.
In what other ways do you generously share your time, talents and treasures?
Cheryl: We both volunteer at the local hospital; I’m there two days a week, and Bill is there three. I’m also on the board of a local private elementary school and read to the kids during the week, and I participate in activities like chapel on Wednesdays. I love to hear them singing the Christian songs.
Bill: I’m at two hospitals, one day in the emergency room, one day on the oncology floor, and on the third day, I drive a trolley. Volunteering in this way is so tragic and beautiful at the same time.
How does your faith influence your acts of generosity?
Cheryl: I truly believe that God provides for us, and we’re meant to share that with others. We’ve had struggles in life, but if you have faith, you can always get through it. Bill and I support our elementary school so kids can have the opportunity to have God in their lives and understand he has provided for them.
What message would you like to share with Deborah and her son if they are reading this?
Cheryl: We feel so blessed to have met them and to be part of their journey.
Bill: We were the lucky ones to experience this with them.
