2025 Lake County YMCA Dream House
You could be the winner of the 2025 Lake County YMCA Dream House or drive away in a new Chevy Equinox. Here’s how to enter.
The Lake County YMCA partnered with JEMM Construction to construct this fabulous 2025 Dream House in Mentor. Purchase a ticket for your chance to win the Dream House or a 2025 Chevy Equinox—and help the YMCA with critical funding for youth development and health-and-wellness initiatives, all aimed at improving people’s lives.
In a colossal, teamwork-makes-the-dream-work undertaking, a local builder, team of designers, construction crews and a legion of volunteers collaborate each year on the Lake County YMCA Dream House. This year marks the 28th year.
Each team member selflessly gives of their time and talent with the goal of providing critical funding for the YMCA’s wide range of services, from youth development to health and wellness initiatives, all aimed at improving people’s lives.
“We are incredibly grateful to JEMM Construction, the Chevy Network and Classic Chevrolet for their remarkable generosity,” says Dick Bennett, Lake County YMCA CEO. “We couldn’t make a difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve without this vital support. This is by far our biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds generated will directly support our programs and services. We’re excited to work together to bring this Dream House to life and to continue fostering a healthy, vibrant and connected community here in Lake County.”
Funds from the Dream House also enable the Y to introduce new initiatives, enhance existing programs and elevate facilities to better serve its members and the community. In 2024, the Lake County Y served a total of 27,000 individuals, 15,000 of whom were children.
Modern Living at its Finest
At just over 3,000 square feet, the Dream House features a modern design and state-of-the-art amenities that would appeal to homeowners who appreciate nature and entertaining.
Located on Kingfisher Court in Mentor, this three-bedroom home includes a generous-sized family room with vaulted ceilings, open-concept kitchen and dining area, first-floor primary suite, two fireplaces, a finished entertaining space on the lower level and a large deck off the back.
Josh Edgell of JEMM Construction reports the work has been non-stop since breaking ground in February.
“This is the second time we’ve built the Dream House,” he says. “It’s a pleasure for my whole organization to use our expertise to give back to our community in such a big way.”
He sees this custom-designed model as a “new age” space, with elegant, high-end finishes and amenities packed into a manageable floor plan.
“Our designers took a cue from the nature surrounding the beautiful, secluded lot,” he says. “The neighborhood is charming and convenient, minutes from Mentor Lagoons or the beach.”
Supporting Key Programming
Kelly Penzenik, director of marketing and communications for the YMCA, reports the goal this year is to raise $500,000 in ticket sales.
“Last year more than 35,000 people took tours of the home and we’re hoping to exceed that in 2025,” she says. “The funds go to financial assistance we offer members who cannot afford a membership, as well as programs, childcare, swim lessons and enrichment camps.”
She mentions the Summer Learning Loss Prevention program is one of many YCMA initiatives that depend on DH-generated dollars.
“We work with the school district in Painesville to identify students going into third grade who would benefit from a skills development program focused on reading comprehension,” she says. “The free, six-week program is led by local teachers and volunteers.”
Put Yourself Behind the Wheel
When you buy a ticket package, you also have a chance to win a loaded Chevy Equinox valued at $31,995, donated by Classic Chevrolet in Mentor and the Chevy Network Dealers. It includes loads of features like blind spot notice, forward collision alert and the safety of OnStar.
“We are pleased to have been involved with the Lake County YMCA on this project for around 15 years,” says John McCurdy of Classic Chevrolet. “The great work they do keeps us involved in this project year after year. We especially like the way the YMCA spends its resources locally, right here in Lake County. Classic is a Lake County organization, and we love to give back to the community and the customers who have given their business to us.”
The 2025 Lake County YMCA Dream House Giveaway ends with a semi-final drawing on Wednesday, August 20, and final drawing on Sunday, August 24. Both events will be streamed live on Facebook. The winner of the house or car is responsible for paying taxes. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the YMCA, one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y gives children, families and individuals the support and resources needed to help them achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. It ensures these opportunities are available to everyone, no matter their ability to pay, with generous support from community partners and donors. For more information about the Y, call
440-579-4729 or visit
LakeCountyYMCA.org.
Meet the Designers
Tour the 2025 Lake County YMCA Dream House for cutting-edge inspo from top designers who have generously volunteered their time and talent.
Maria Perossa
After earning a business degree from John Carroll University, Maria began her career as an event coordinator. In 2020, she transitioned to interior design, studying at Cuyahoga Community College. Now the owner of Maria A. Perossa Interiors, she helps clients design their dream spaces and guides homeowners through the construction process.
Her favorite part of the DH: “As a dog mom, I love the dog-wash feature—it makes caring for our four-legged family members much easier. The deep, earthy color palette selected adds natural beauty to the home. My favorite shades are Burnished Brandy in the office and Chinchilla in the primary bedroom.”
Why she wanted to join this project: “As a designer, it’s a unique experience to create a home without knowing the end user. Returning for a second year to help design the home has been especially meaningful, knowing it supports the YMCA’s mission to serve our community in many ways.” Reach Maria at MaPerossa.Interiors@gmail.com.
Kelly Velikonya-Patel
As founder and principal designer of Bold Interiors CLE, Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in fashion and design to her work. Her approach is deeply personal and client-focused. She believes every space should reflect the people who live in it—thoughtfully curated to tell their unique story. Her goal is to create spaces that are both beautiful and truly feel like home.
Her favorite part of the DH: “ We used natural elements and organic materials to create a serene, modern-rustic feel, bringing the outdoors in. One of my favorite spaces to design is the children’s bedroom—a whimsical woodland retreat with a secret reading nook for quiet moments of magic.”
Why she wanted to join this project: “I’m honored to return for a second year as a YMCA Dream House designer. As a Willoughby native, it’s especially meaningful to give back to the community that shaped me while using my love for design to support a greater purpose.” Reach Kelly Velikonya-Patel of Bold Interiors CLE at 216-202-0456 or BoldInteriosCLE.com.
Halle Chiappone
Using her graphic and interior design degrees and more than 30 years in the industry, Halle helps clients realize their dream homes. She prides herself on designing to a client’s unique style and helping people find their special vibe. She’s been on many Dream House design teams over the years.
Her favorite part of the DH: “It exemplifies a growing movement called biophilic design, where the goal is to connect people to nature for improved mental and physical well-being. There’s a lot of warmth to this home, especially with the stained custom cabinetry in the kitchen. I feel the asymmetrical black large format tile fireplace with built-in cabinetry is a showstopper.”
Why she wanted to join this project: “I really appreciate all the YMCA does for our community and especially believe in the programs and facilities they offer geared to children and seniors.” Reach Halle Chiappone at JEMMConstruction.net.
Carolyn Rigo
A professional designer working in NEO since 1989, Carolyn Rigo has been involved in more than 20 DH’s, including the first one.
Her favorite part of the DH: “The rich colors used throughout the kitchen and great room, with shades of green, black and brown are cozy and welcoming. And the mixed metal finishes throughout the home provide a casual, rustic feel.”
Why she wanted to join this project: “The DH projects have been very special to me. They’ve been a nice opportunity to showcase my work while giving back to the community. Since we had a membership to the YMCA when my children were growing up, I have many wonderful memories.” Reach Carolyn Rigo at 440-479-5525, JEMMConstruction.net, Interiors by Carolyn Rigo or CarolynRigo.com.
Dream House Tour Tickets
- What: 2025 Lake County YMCA Dream House giveaway
- When: Tour the home Thursdays through Sundays, July 10 through August 17
- Where: 5931 Kingfisher Court in the Glenbrook Estates neighborhood of Mentor
- Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Tickets: People over the age of 18 can purchase the $25 tickets to win the Dream House (or a $275,000 cash option) at the Dream House during tour hours at LakeCountyYMCA.org. You can also buy tickets by mail, check the website for details. Ticket packages are available.
- Details: The semi-final drawing is set for 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 20. Twenty semi-finalists will be chosen from the ticket stubs. They will each be given a key to the home at the final drawing at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 24. One lucky winner’s key will open the front door of the home. There is also a separate drawing for a 2025 Chevy Equinox ($31,995 value) provided by The Chevy Network Dealers and Classic Chevrolet in Mentor. There is no cash option for the car. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the Lake County YMCA branches in Painesville, Willoughby, Madison and the Outdoor Family Center, which serve about one in four children, families and seniors in the county, providing opportunities to be healthy, confident and connected.
- Buy Online: You don’t have to live in Lake County to participate in the 2025 Dream House giveaway. Tickets are available at LakeCountyYMCA.org.
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