All They Could Wish For

Frampton Homes’ first charity project completed in Grimes.

When Justin and Dani Frampton were invited to attend the Make-A-Wish Iowa Annual Gala with friends a few years ago, they had no idea it would be anything but a fun evening to benefit a worthwhile organization. But it turned into much more—the organization became their passion.

“We went to the Gala with friends and just really liked the organization, what they stood for, and how their donations work,” explains Justin. “We’ve been really fortunate and wanted to pay it forward somehow.”

The Framptons got involved with other Make-A-Wish activities. Then, last summer, Justin pitched the idea of a charity build project to the Make-A-Wish Iowa board.

“They were so moved by our mission that they wanted to do more,” says Make-A-Wish volunteer JoDee Stensland. “We are so excited about this. It’s the first charity house project we’ve done at Make-A-Wish Iowa.”

After that initial meeting, the Framptons talked to community leaders in Grimes and chose a lot in the Heritage at Grimes development, a 400-acre planned urban community with an elementary school, parks, and town center. Once the lot was chosen, Justin and Dani worked with the Make-A-Wish team to choose a home plan.

“We’ve built this plan before, and we’ve had really good feedback on it,” Justin says. “It seemed like a good fit for the development and for this project specifically.”

Dani adds, “It’s a great family plan, and with the location next to the school, backing to green space, and with the huge yard, it was a perfect choice for this project.”

The nearly 2,600-square-foot two-story home features four bedrooms, a main-floor office, and an unfinished walkout lower level. The open layout offers a blend of new contemporary ideas and traditional features that make it comfortably livable for an active and growing family.

Elements like the open family room-kitchen layout and the spacious second floor “foyer” large enough to serve as a sitting or game area meet the needs of today’s family. The separate office and covered deck offer quiet spaces for work or relaxing.

“We wanted to include fun accents since it’s designed for a family,” says Dani. “There’s plenty of open space, but it also has lots of character.”

Pops of color in shades of turquoise with black hardware accents, a white brick fireplace wall, and dual tile patterns offer contemporary flair; barn doors, wide plank floors, and updated rustic lighting provide a modern farmhouse feel.

“We’re thrilled with the finished product,” Dani says.

“We couldn’t have done it without our subcontractors,” adds Justin. “Every one of them jumped right on board, without exception. They just said, ‘If it’s good enough for Frampton Homes, we’re in.’”

Whether donating time, materials, or both, the subcontractors enthusiastically supported the Framptons’ efforts, even joining in on Wish Days with children from Make-A-Wish Iowa.

“Justin and Dani wanted to do something to make this special for their subcontractors, to really connect with the mission here at Make-A-Wish,” explains Stensland.

On one of those days, 4-year-old wish kid Isaac got to help at the groundbreaking ceremony. And near the end of the build, wish kid Brady assisted with trim carpentry.

“The subs were so great with the kids,” Justin says. “Our trim carpenter brought a tool belt for Brady so he could have his own. And JAS Concrete called before groundbreaking to ask if they should bring a larger digger to make it special for Isaac.”

They may not have realized it at the time, but the Framptons’ subcontractors were already living out the Make-A-Wish Foundation mission. “Wishes are more than just a nice thing,” it states. “A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness.”

The average cost of granting a wish is $13,000, including the cost of expenses and the value of donations. Recent wishes granted included an Hawaiian cruise, an opportunity to be a Blue Angel, and a trip to Disney to meet the Disney princesses.

For the 2018 fiscal year, which ends in August, the local Make-A-Wish Foundation hopes to grant 200 wishes.

“We’re already halfway to our goal,” Stensland says. “We grant a wish every other day.”

This year Frampton Homes helped make a wish come true for Make-A-Wish Iowa—the first charity home project. And that was just what the Framptons wished for.

25th-Annual Des Moines Gala

This year’s Make-A-Wish Silver Ball Gala will take place Saturday, May 5, at the Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn. For the first time ever, the event is sold out. A total of 800 tickets have been sold. The Foundation expects to raise enough to fund 20 wishes from the evening’s activities.

Frampton Homes Make-A-Wish Project Supporters

• City of Grimes
• City State Bank
• JAS Concrete
• T3 Pumping
• DB Contractors Inc
• Central Iowa Ready Mix
• Energy Efficiency Solutions
• Heartland Heating and Cooling
• Keystone Trucking
• Dynasty Siding
• Premier Plumbing
• Central Iowa Trucking
• Contractor Services of Iowa
• Elite Dirtworks
• Petersen Custom Woodworks
• Tesdell Electric
• Stensland Sod Inc
• Rich Jones Construction
• The Stone Shop
• Royal Flooring
• Factory Direct Appliances
• Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber
• Windsor Windows
• Gabus Family
• Iowa Realty
• All Pro Painting
• Jake Boyd Photo
• Elizabeth Erin Designs
• Des Moines Painting
• Amega Garage Doors
• Elite Builders
• Elite Irrigation and Landscape
• Evergreene Landscaping
• Frampton Homes