Grammy Winner Amy Grant Shares $16,500 Piece of Pie with Habitat

Singer-songwriter Amy Grant said she turned her appearance fee back to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity after hearing the stories of people who have achieved the dream of homeownership because of the agency. (Photo via Creative Commons)

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Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant is sharing a wedge of Thanksgiving pie with a local charity.

At a Macomb County Habitat for Humanity benefit concert in Clinton Township earlier this month, she pledged to return her appearance fee to the organization after hearing the moving stories of partner families who have achieved the dream of homeownership and other testimonials

“I think my pie wedge needs to go back to Habitat,” she said, after explaining to the audience that the fee is divided among like pieces of pie to pay employee salaries and other costs, The Macomb Daily reports.

The $16,500 check, received Tuesday, will pay for a lot of pie – or, in Habitat’s case, the pouring of a cement basement for a house that will eventually become a home for a partner family, according to a news release.

Grant was especially moved by the story of Naila Payne, whose family now has a home because of Macomb County Habitat, which helps low-income families purchase affordable housing.

The agency holds a fall dinner with entertainment every year, but decided to book the gospel, country and crossover artist this year in hopes of attracting larger audiences.

Helen Hicks, the executive director of the Mount Clemens-based charity, said Grant breathed meaning into her gospel hit, “Breath of Heaven” from her 1992 “Home for Christmas” album, which closed the show.

“I’ve listened to Amy’s songs since I was a young woman,” Hicks said. “But now, with her demonstrated generosity sitting in Habitat’s bank account, her songs mean even more. She really is a ‘Breath of Heaven.’ ”

Dawn Drozd, who chairs Habitat’s board of directors, told The Macomb Daily that Grant’s pledge moved her to tears. “I am overwhelmed by her generosity,” Drozd said.

Grant, who is married to country singer Vince Gill, talked at the benefit show about her own charitable giving, which has included the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and Habitat organizations in other cities.

“Everyone is so busy with their lives, but we all made it here tonight,” Grant told the 500 people who showed up for the Nov. 8 benefit concert. “That says a lot about your commitment to the community.”

The guests at the benefit included Detroit Lions star receiver Herman Moore and country singer Julianne Ankley, who lives in St. Clair County.

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, who walked away from successful business careers to begin working for the poor through what he called “the theology of the hammer.”

Since then, Habitat has built or rehabilitated more than 800,000 houses, providing shelter for more than 4 million people in need of decent, affordable shelter.

Would you like to give to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity? There are several options:

• Secure donations may be made here.
• Download a mail-in donation form and send a check or money order to: Macomb County Habitat for Humanity; 130 N. Groesbeck Hwy.;Mt. Clemens, MI 48043-1529.
• Make a donation of new and used building materials, home improvement items and home interior items to the ReStore. All individuals, corporations, retailers and contractors are welcome to donate to the ReStore. A list of items that are accepted please visit The Macomb County ReStore website. To schedule a pickup, call (586) 263-1540 or schedule a pick-up online; dop off items from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or email info@macombhabitat.org.
• A donation of a vehicle can help a family build a home, and the hope of a better life. Car, truck, boat and RV donations help Macomb County Habitat for Humanity build homes in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. Call (877) 277-4344, or visit the Cars for Home website.