The frigid temperatures and several inches of snow that recently arrived in Southern Idaho are likely here to stay for a while, but for one lucky Boise couple, the warm weather can’t come soon enough after learning they were the winners of the Hayden Homes $25,000 Dream Backyard Giveaway.
The exciting news came for Shane and Alex Hunter on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with balloons, champagne and a crowd of excited people, all in the midst of a blustery snowstorm. But despite the snow and ice, visions of sunny weather and a beautiful backyard were all that filled their minds.
“It seems funny with the snow to think about enjoying the warm weather outside with our family,” said Shane, who works for Republic Services in Boise. “We are so excited! The spring can’t get here soon enough.”
The Hunters’ name was drawn from among thousands who entered at Hayden Homes’ neighborhoods and on the company website earlier this year. The couple, who recently purchased a home in the Hayden Homes Antler Ridge community in Southwest Boise, has three children, ages 25, 22 and a 16-year-old who attends Mountain View High School in Meridian.
The Hunters will be starting their dream backyard design from scratch. They will work with Hayden Homes CEO Dennis Murphy to design the space. The planning and design phase will begin in April so crews can complete work on the Hunters’ dream backyard by Memorial Day weekend.
Alex, an employee of Hewlett Packard, is already considering the options for using the $25,000 prize. “We’re going to make it a party outlet for friends and family,” she said. “It will be a wonderful place to entertain and spend family time outdoors. This is the best Christmas surprise ever!”
This is the second $25,000 Dream Backyard Hayden Homes has awarded. Last year’s winner was a couple from Rathdrum, Idaho. Their dream backyard, which included a storage shed, trellis, gas fire pit, and playhouse for their young children, was completed in June.
This exciting announcement was picked up by the Idaho Statesman as well! You can watch the Boise family celebrate the exciting news below or read the full story by visiting the Idaho Statesman Dream Backyard Article