Building More Than Homes: Sargento Celebrates Milestone Build with Habitat for Humanity
The Sargento Family came together once again to make a lasting impact in the community. This time by completing the 40th and 41st homes with long-time partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. This milestone marks more than just numbers, it also reflects decades of dedication to building stronger communities, one home at a time.
Following Tradition
Sargento’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity can be traced back over 30 years when they were the first corporate sponsor of Milwaukee Habitat back in 1992. Now with $2.9 million in donations and more than 27,000 volunteer hours the Sargento Family has become the most prolific homebuilding partner with the non-profit organization.
“It's great that we have that opportunity to come down to Milwaukee, be able to experience this, and be able to build a home with the homeowners. It really gives all of us a sense of pride.” said Louie Gentine, CEO and Chairman, "putting in the sweat equity with the homeowners, really makes this day, and really this whole week that we're down here, just really special.”
Family Reunion
To further celebrate this milestone build, Sargento hosted a ‘family reunion’ luncheon inviting all past and present Milwaukee Habitat homeowners living in Sargento-sponsored homes. Eleven homeowners attended the reunion including Tondra K. who was one of Sargento’s very first homeowners in 1992. Many of the homeowners spoke about their experience living in their home and shared how thankful they are that they were given this opportunity to have something of their own.
“I want something that’s my own, something that I can call my own, something that I could come home to and say, this is mine. I’m grateful for Sargento because my home is the 40th home and I’m excited.” Said Theresa H., future homeowner of the 40th Sargento sponsored home.
Along with the homeowners, Brian Sonderman, CEO of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, attended and shared his thanks for all Sargento has done. “Sargento’s legacy is not just the 40, now 41 homes that are being built, and all those families served, but they set a foundation for other corporate citizens to join with us. And for that, I'm incredibly indebted to, the Gentine family and all the folks at Sargento." The family reunion also had a visit from Peter Feigin, the President of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks have played a crucial part in Sargento’s fundraising efforts for Habitat through their ‘Tipoff for Homes’ program which was started back in 2019 and has helped raise $213,000.
Real Impact
Sargento’s continued efforts to make a positive impact in the community through partnerships with organizations like Habitat have helped change these homeowners’ lives for the better. Homeowner Tonya H., who has lived in her Sargento and Habitat sponsored house for 27 years, gave Louie his flowers and shared her experience.
"In 1998, I was just a kid trying to buy a house, and now there are so many achievements that I have done because of having that open door for people who care about people, and this has allowed me to give back more than I would have ever anticipated.”
The moment was emotional for everyone. The flowers, she said, were just a small token of her appreciation. Tonya also shared that her children have gone on to do amazing things, something she also credits to the stability and opportunity that homeownership made possible.
The Sargento Family remains dedicated to building more homes and fostering community, connection, and the lasting impact they bring for generations to come.
