Closing Ceremonies

Closing ceremonies for the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2007 ended with all the drama befitting the host city of Los Angeles. Ryan Kavanaugh, a former venture capitalist-turned-movie producer (“3:10 to Yuma,” “Talladega Nights,” etc.), presented a check for a cool $1 million to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

“When I was a teenager, my mother took me to a Habitat site, handed me a hammer and said, ‘Time to get to work,’ ” Kavanaugh told the crowd gathered at the port of L.A. to celebrate the imminent end of the 24th annual JCWP. Work wraps up at both construction sites – in San Pedro and on Vermont Avenue – on Friday afternoon, and volunteers from all over the world begin their journeys home.

Kavanaugh recalled being inspired by his mother’s activism, especially her willingness to give her time to causes she believed in, despite a hectic schedule of her own.

“You are the true heroes,” he told the 1,000-plus volunteers who had spent a week building homes with 30 families who needed help, and working on repairs and rehabs at dozens more homes. “Money comes and goes, but time is precious.”

Erin Rank, head of Habitat of Greater L.A., said Kavanaugh’s contribution would finance the building of 250 houses in the area over the next three years. He is the first individual to earn the rank of Angel Donor.

It was a night of superlatives: This year’s build may have been the most environmentally sensitive JCWP, with solar panels installed on every roof, energy-efficient appliances in every unit, and drought-resistant plants rooted in every yard. Also, actor Barry Pepper, an active Habitat volunteer, presented the entire audience a small gold pin representing the President’s Volunteer Service Award, marking the largest number of people to receive the award at one time.

Next year will mark another first: After 24 years, the JCWP will be rechristened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, in honor of the former first lady’s unwavering dedication to the annual construction project. The Carters, as an inseparable team, “define what it looks like to be a servant leader,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.

At the end of the chilly evening, Reckford oversaw the traditional passing of the hammer, from Habitat of Greater L.A. to affiliate representatives from the Gulf Coast, site of the 2008 JRCWP next May. Habitat affiliates and volunteers have built more than 1,000 houses in areas ravaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita more than two years ago, and their goal is to make next year’s JCRWP the biggest yet. “We need all these people to come back again next year,” President Carter said with a smile.