The Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah presented a $5,000 donation to Savannah-based mentoring group Xcel in support of the 2019 Dust and Grain Woodworking Competition.

The event, to be held Saturday at Maven Makers at 415 W. Boundary St., involves teams displaying stools made from lumber from Emergent Structures, a local re-purposed lumber yard. Judges will select three winning teams, each of which will receive production opportunities from Maven Makers to produce a product for the local home, restaurant, hotel or furniture industry.

Additional competitions and displays of woodworking skills are scheduled prior to the announcement of the winning teams. The day’s activities are free and open to the public

“As homebuilders, we are delighted to take part in a project that draws attention to the value of careers in the trades,” said Patty Rietkovich, executive officer of the association. “We need to develop the skilled craftspeople who will build the homes, schools and businesses of the future.”

Xcel is a Savannah mentoring nonprofit organization that concentrates on moving young men ages 15 to 25 into the workforce via the trades. It has partnered with such groups as Bethesda Academy and the Dream Campaign. Jay Thompson, founder and CEO of Xcel, has partnered with Maven Makers to inspire and train young men in woodworking professions.