February 3, 2006 - The New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) presented a $30,000 check to the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) as the Signature Sponsor of RVHFH’s first Women Build project. Through its Foundation for Housing, NJBA supports the construction of homes for families of modest means.

NJBA President Steve Caporaso, Vice President Mary Anderson, Foundation President Michael Solondz, along with Women Build leaders Mary Caporaso and Barbara Chiusano hosted the ceremonial presentation of the check from the Foundation to RVHFH President Richard Carr and Development Manager Diana Pecina. NJBA members donated an additional $50,000 in materials, labor or cash.

“The home is well on its way to completion, thanks to the leadership of NJBA’s Women Build, as well as the generous contributions of time and materials from our members. We anticipate delivering the completed home to the new homeowner by the end of April,” said Steve Caporaso.
 
Women Build is working to increase awareness of the number of women working in the construction industry, and to involve more women directly in the building of Habitat homes. Women Build provides women the chance to learn construction skills from other women, along with the opportunity to help a family of modest income in obtaining the American dream - a home of their own.  

Mary Caporaso, past president of the NJBA and chair of the Women Build effort, is joined by NJBA members Mary Anderson and Barbara Chiusano in directing the project. Ms. Caporaso was the first woman to serve as NJBA president in 1998 and was named Builder of the Year in 1999. She and her husband Steve, the current NJBA president, own their own construction company, Farinella Homes.

"My father, Frank Farinella, has been a home builder for 50 years. He taught us that it is our responsibility to give back to those we can help. He also used to quote Theodore Roosevelt, who said, ‘No man has the moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his trade sphere.’ In keeping up with these traditions, I view it as my responsibility to give what I can to such a noble organization," said Mary Caporaso.