Sharpen your pencils; put your thinking caps on, and give us your idea for change.

This is a Short Essay Contest of 250 words or less on the following topic: What current issue in your local community needs to be addressed? What change would you institute, if given the opportunity, and how? 

For just $250, 250 words or less and a little creativity; our home could become yours, free and clear OR you could win a cash prize.

This is NOT a LOTTERY but rather a CONTEST of SKILL judged by an independent panel of judges solely on grammar, spelling, punctuation, creativity, sincerity and content.  

This Contest will only be open from September 3, 2009 at 12:00 A.M. Eastern Time through December 31, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time or when the maximum of 800 entries permitted has been met.

Our Story

We were completely caught off guard when we unexpectedly lost our jobs in August. We had both been employed by the once mortgage lending giant, Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. which folded on August 5, 2009.

In this economic downfall with unemployment at an all time high, banks reluctant to lend, a stagnant real estate market and few companies hiring we are unable to continue paying our mortgage or sell and pay off the lender utilizing conventional methods hence this unconventional idea coming to fruition.

Our goal with this Contest is to help ourselves overcome a difficult situation and also help others in the process by paying it forward.

While this is not a charity fundraiser, when all entries are in, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to a local charitable organization, the Marion County Homeless Council, which helps displaced workers like us and others facing difficult times.

We believe in these tough economic times people sometimes have to try the unconventional. There is no downside to entering this Contest. Someone may win a home; free and clear, cash prizes will be awarded regardless, displaced workers will be helped and community leaders will be given ideas for change.

 Dave & Nancy Synychak