NEAR NIXA, Mo. — A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday marked the start of construction on the 2027 St. Jude Dream Home. The event, held at the Kelby Creek development south of Nixa, brought together hospital supporters, local contractors, and community leaders to celebrate the next phase of the annual fundraiser.
KY3’s Leigh Moody and Rob Macko were honored to join the crowd as the first shovels turned the soil. The Dream Home project, organized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raises millions each year through ticket sales that give participants a chance to win the newly built home and other prizes. All proceeds support the hospital’s mission to cure childhood cancer.
Local builder returns to lead construction
Bussell Building, which constructed the 2026 Dream Home, is back to manage the 2027 build. Tyler Bussell, president of the company, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute again. “We have some friends who had a, you know, a small stint at St. Jude. Just thinking about what they went through and trying to put yourself in their shoes. It’s tough. I mean, it’s really hard to even think about. And if we can play just a very small piece of the puzzle to help try to end childhood cancer, I mean, I’ll do anything I could,” Bussell said.
The Kelby Creek site, located just south of Nixa, will feature a modern, family‑friendly design that reflects the community’s values of faith, family, and liberty. The home will be available for public tours once construction is complete, and the final reveal will coincide with the ticket‑sale launch in the spring.
Ticket sales and upcoming milestones
Tickets to win the 2027 Dream Home will go on sale this spring, with a full campaign rollout expected in April. Past campaigns have generated significant revenue for St. Jude, helping fund cutting‑edge research, patient care, and support services for families battling cancer.
Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as demand typically outpaces supply. In addition to the Dream Home, the fundraiser offers a variety of other prizes, ranging from vacation packages to luxury vehicles, all designed to draw widespread participation.
Why the Dream Home matters
Since its inception, the Dream Home program has become a cornerstone of St. Jude’s fundraising strategy. Each year, the event not only raises essential funds but also raises awareness of the hospital’s life‑saving work. By engaging local volunteers, businesses, and donors, the program embodies the spirit of service that defines both the Nixa community and St. Jude’s mission.
“When you see families coming together to support a cause that protects our children, it reinforces the values we hold dear,” said a local volunteer who helped organize the groundbreaking. “It’s a reminder that faith, family, and freedom go hand‑in‑hand when we work toward a common good.”
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with a moment of prayer, reflecting the community’s Christian heritage and its commitment to caring for the most vulnerable among us.
For more information on ticket sales, prize details, and ways to get involved, visit the St. Jude Dream Home website or contact the Nixa Chamber of Commerce.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
