Showcase Home Project 2008

Hendersonville, NC, February 25, 2008 --(PR.com)-- In the tradition of the wildly popular "One Red Paper Clip" and "The Million Dollar Homepage", Hendersonville, North Carolina resident Evan Smith has initiated a challenge that just might give him a more comfortable place to call home. Having bought his "great little fixer upper" with a business partner in the Hendersonville, NC area, Smith is approaching his dilemma from another angle. The 43 year old chef/kitchen manager read about the Red Paper Clip and the Million Dollar Homepage and "thought maybe that kind of approach might work well for improving my house to it's fullest potential."

Smith's idea is to finance, remodel, and maintain his home in Hendersonville entirely by sponsorship. "Service professionals, retailers, craftsmen, real estate agencies - anyone can be a part of this project and have their names, products, and work connected to and advertised by this project." The projects that inspired his idea were hugely successful and Smith feels his project will get the same kind of attention. He says that even private individuals may want to sponsor certain things like artists with unique decor items or individuals desiring to commemorate another loved-one with a landscaping element. "Literally, the sky's the limit", he says, being quick to point out with a chuckle, "Of course, the sky above the house may get sponsored quickly, so move fast."

"I'm not looking for a free ride." he says. "I am offering a service in exchange for sponsorship." The service he offers includes national exposure for sponsors throughout the project process as well as continuing publicity through maintaining the resulting house as a showcase for anyone interested in seeing the sponsors' services and products in action. His plans also include publishing a unique catalog that highlights all of the sponsors' contributions along with details on how to obtain the different services and products used in the Showcase Home.

Smith emphasizes "this is not like the HGTV Dream Home" where one lucky person wins a luxurious dream home every year. "Although, I wouldn't mind having HGTV as a sponsor." he says. "This project will take a lot of work before and after the house is remodeled." He says he and his business partner will be the caretaker for this home living in the finished project in addition to facilitating and overseeing the project from start to finish. "I'm going to need everything from Internet, legal, and banking services to land, lumber, and home decor services. The project will take on a life of it's own as all the players get into the game."

"This is only the beginning," he says with a smile and looking off into the distance. "If this project goes well, I can see doing this on an annual basis choosing new caretakers for each new home." Smith is currently documenting his project at www.showcasehomeproject.com. Interested sponsors can take advantage of the current opportunities at the site.

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