- May 11, 2024
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Michael McDowell paints with homeowners Joseph and Bonita Robinson. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Kendall Ochoa, a senior at Matanzas High School, is volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for the first time.
Thrivent Financial teamed up with Flagler County's Habitat for Humanity to provide Bunnell homeowner 's with a freshly painted house.
Michael McDowell, a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, uses his free time off the race track to help families in need.
Rebecca and Christian Ginter tag-team painting a wall together.
Jearlyn Dennie, pastor at Ministries Reverse Church in Bunnell, holds the ladder steady as Michael McDowell paints the high outside walls of the house.
George Dahl andJoe Renzo work diligently to coat the house in a fresh layer of paint.
The house, tucked away in a neighborhood and down a winding street in Bunnell, quickly transformed from a dull peach to a vibrant light green in a matter of minutes with the help of a few dozen volunteer workers and one professional NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, Michael McDowell.
McDowell chooses to spend his free time exploring the communities around each racetrack he visits.
“Instead of being stuck at the racetrack for the entire visit, I figure why not spend the time helping to make a difference within each community,” McDowell said. “Otherwise I would be stuck in a cramped mobile home the whole time, and as nice as it is to spend time with my wife and young kids, sometimes it is good to get some air.”
McDowell became involved with community service after his race team became sponsored by Thrivent Financial. He has already helped restore five houses, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
“When I first started racing all I focused on was winning championships and being successful, but now that I have become a little more humble I realize you aren’t going to win a race every weekend, and racing doesn’t define who I am, it is just a job. What truly matters is living generously and for each other.”
MICHAEL DOWELL, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver
The home chosen for restoration on Tuesday afternoon belongs to Bunnell City Council Member Bonita Robinson and her husband Joseph Robinson.
“We are really thankful for being chosen for this project,” Bonita said. “The fresh coat of paint will increase the property value and it will be a nice upgrade to the whole neighborhood.”
