When George Keck, 51, a skilled carpenter, and Helen Keck, 48, a computer programmer, sold their contracting firm and a marble and tile business in Burlington, N.C., in 2002, they decided to move to the mountains of southwest Virginia, find a church and look for ways to use their assets to help others.
They settled at the foot of Brushy Mountain and joined nearby Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Wytheville, Va. Then they asked Steve Ridenhour, pastor, how they could help the community. Ridenhour told of a proposal to consolidate several nonprofit agencies under one roof. After years of negotiations and a search, the congregation had found a former utility office building for sale. But financing was still needed.
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