Tim Yanke Brightens “Women Build” Home With Art

Tim Yanke with Cindy Randall.

For the last seven years, Cindy Randall fought to overcome the effects of Lyme disease while raising her children. As Randall struggled to regain her strength, she dreamed of moving her family out of their cramped trailer home.

“Living in the trailer park, we were pretty limited with what we could do,” Randall said.

Nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Randall is stronger than ever and ready to move into a new home. Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, a Christian-based organization that provides affordable homes to low and moderate-income families, stepped in to make this dream a reality.

On April 6, friends, family, and volunteers gathered in Randall’s new home in Oak Park, Michigan for a presentation of the keys. To make the celebration extra special, Park West Gallery artist Tim Yanke had a special gift for the family. Yanke presented one of his “Yanke Doodle” artworks to Randall and her children during the ceremony held by Habitat for Humanity.

“I love the colors, and it’s beautiful,” Randall said.

Tim Yanke presents a “Yanke Doodle” to the Randall family.

Yanke has donated artwork to 26 brand new homeowners who benefited through Habitat for Humanity since 2013. He enjoys donating to the families since Habitat for Humanity encourages teamwork and participation, as each family puts in 300 hours of “sweat equity” into the renovations of their soon-to-be-home.

“Habitat is near and dear to my heart,” Yanke says.

The momentous day was not only a celebration of Randall completing those 300 hours, it became the first time she owned a work of fine art.

“The whole Habitat experience is an answer to a prayer and a dream come true,” Randall said.

Tim Yanke congratulates the Randall family on their new home From left: Barbara Pelish, James Randall, Cindy Randall, Samantha Randall, Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Executive Director Tim Ruggles, Yanke.

This was the first time Yanke donated a work of art to a home completed by Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s Women Build group. Around 90 percent of the work done in Women Build projects is completed by women clearly demonstrating that women have the power to change their communities.

Johnna Struck, chairwoman of the Women Build Steering Committee, says the Randall residence is the third home the Women Build group has finished. The group raises funds for these projects as part of its “Reno to Residence” campaign, which focuses on renovating properties for deserving women.

The Randall family with their new “Yanke Doodle” artwork.

Yanke revealed he hopes to expand his donations beyond Oakland County with Habitat for Humanity.

“Eventually we want to donate artwork to everyone nationwide who receives a key,” Yanke says.

To add Tim Yanke artwork to your home, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.