The De Young family first met Audra Koelewyn in 2009 when she was 9 years old. At the time, Audra was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Over the years, Audra bravely fought her brain cancer with unwavering determination. Today, thanks to the life-saving care at St. Jude, Audra stands a college graduate, ready to embark on a photography career, and thriving!
Please read the following message from Audra about her experience photographing this year’s stunning St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway house!
Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the De Young Properties’ "Supreme 7Teen'' home for the 2024 Central Valley St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway campaign Open House. The experience was nothing short of amazing. From the built-in coffee bar (which I was told is one of Paula De Young's favorite features in the home), to a shower area for your beloved fur-children, this dream home truly encapsulates the DREAM in “Dream Home” – all to benefit the life-saving care of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Fresno community, this home offers modern amenities and high-end finishes, making it perfect for any growing family. As I walked through the home, I overheard folks commenting on how they loved the amount of storage space throughout the home, as well as the overall openness of the floorplan. Additionally, I often heard individuals share how they enjoyed the idea that the upstairs loft would be a perfect place for the entire family, or even for grandkids to have a sleepover; and of course, it would be a perfect place for holiday events.
From the moment you step inside the home, you're greeted by a light-filled, spacious design that transitions naturally from one space to the next. Top-of-the-line appliances along with an expansive kitchen island for meal prep and entertaining make the gourmet kitchen a chef's dream come true, and the enormous living space is the ideal spot for families to gather together to create lasting memories. The 2024 St. Jude Dream Home® is a stunning example of design and craftsmanship!
One particularly super special aspect of the St Jude Dream Home® Giveaway campaign is the Open House prize of a free to enter $10,000 furniture shopping spree courtesy of Mor Furniture For Less - just for visiting the home. Open Houses are Saturdays 9a – 5p and Sundays 12p – 5p through May 4, 2024.
I’ve always been intrigued with photography and have recently decided to finally dip my toes into the photography world. Not long ago, I posted on social media that I was available to take photos for people who needed or wanted a photographer for various events. It wasn't long after I posted that Paula De Young messaged asking, “How about taking some photos of this year’s St. Jude Dream Home®?" When I read her message, I was utterly ecstatic, as I was a St. Jude patient for over 10 years and have grown to love the De Young family and the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway campaign, itself.
For De Young Properties, the St. Jude Dream Home® project is more than just a charitable cause; it's a way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of families affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. With the help of individuals who reserve the 10,500 tickets for a chance to win the St. Jude Dream Home®, they've raised over $15.5 million for this amazing cause.
The 2024 St. Jude Dream Home® isn't just a beautiful house; it's also a philanthropic endeavor with 100% of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, which is leading the way in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. By reserving a $100 ticket for the chance to win this amazing home, you'll not only have the opportunity to make this beautiful home your own, but you'll also be supporting a worthy cause and making a difference in the lives of children fighting literally, for their lives.
Join us in this important mission by calling 800-543-5887 to reserve your ticket today!
Thank you,
Audra Koelewyn
