Our Mission

Empowering students through education, opportunity, and the Future of Our Trades Scholarship Foundation.

Building More Than Homes

The Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes exists to do more than showcase exceptional homes—it was created to give back to the community that makes this region special. At its core, the Parade is driven by a belief that strong communities are built by skilled hands, meaningful careers, and opportunities that begin close to home. As fewer students pursue careers in the trades, the Parade has embraced a responsibility to help open doors for the next generation. By investing in students who want to learn, build, and contribute, the Parade is helping ensure the future strength of our local workforce and communities.

A Workforce at a Crossroads

Behind every home is a skilled worker whose knowledge, craftsmanship, and experience make it possible. Today, those skills are becoming harder to replace as fewer students pursue trade-based careers and seasoned professionals leave the workforce. Without intentional investment, communities risk losing not only a workforce, but a tradition of craftsmanship passed down through generations. That is why the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes places the skilled trades at the center of its mission—supporting education, opportunity, and long-term workforce sustainability where it is needed most.

By the Numbers: Skilled Trades

5:2

Five workers retire for every two entering the skilled trades.

2.1m

Skilled trade jobs at risk of going unfilled by 2030.

91%

Contractors struggling to find qualified skilled workers.

2x

Housing demand growing twice as fast as skilled labor supply.

Funding the Mission

The Future of Our Trades Scholarship Foundation is made possible through the collective support of our community. Every contribution helps remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

Ticket Sales

Every Parade ticket directly helps fund scholarships for local students entering the trades.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships provide essential funding that sustains and grows the scholarship program.

Donations

Donations offer direct financial support that reduces barriers for students pursuing trade careers.

Student Scholarship House

Proceeds from each student scholarship house are placed into an endowment that funds future scholarships.

Voices of Opportunity

“This scholarship made it possible for me to continue my education and prepare for the responsibility of one day leading my family’s construction business. It allowed me to focus on learning, growing, and building the skills I’ll need to give back to the community that shaped me. Knowing this support came from people who believe in the future of the trades motivates me to carry that legacy forward.”

Carder Lance

“This scholarship has taken a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my education and goals without worrying about debt. It gave me the time and space to learn, gain experience, and stay committed to a field I care deeply about. Knowing there are people who believe in me and support women in the trades means more to me than I can put into words.”

Norma Solis

“This scholarship gave me the chance to really go after welding and believe in myself along the way. It helped me focus on learning, gaining experience, and turning something I love into a real career. Because of this support, I’m building a future in the trades that I’m proud of and excited about.”

Bailee Stiles

“This scholarship played a major role in helping me earn my degree in construction management while minimizing student debt and staying focused on my goals. It allowed me to gain real-world experience alongside my education and better understand both the building and business sides of the industry. I’m grateful for the support and proud to be building a career rooted in the trades and the community that invested in me.”

Isaac Bradshaw

“This scholarship didn’t just support my education — it opened doors for my future. It allowed me to graduate debt-free, gain advanced training, and confidently step into a career I’m passionate about. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this opportunity.”

Sydney Hickey

“The scholarship gave me hope and opened a door I didn’t know was possible. Neither of my parents went to college, so higher education once felt out of reach. This support helped turn what was once a dream into a real path forward.”

Raul Gonzalez Santos

Open Doors to Skilled Careers

Make a Donation

Every gift supports students as they build skills, confidence, and lasting careers in skilled construction trades.

Donate Today!