For decades, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) has partnered with the KTBS 3/St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway to bring hope to children and families served by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
“From early support of the very first Dream Home built in Shreveport to today’s energy-efficient innovations, SWEPCO has remained committed to making each home more than a showpiece, as it is a symbol of our community, care, and commitment,” said SWEPCO President and COO Brett Mattison. Members of the SWEPCO team explore the latest energy-efficient appliances at the Dream Home, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
SWEPCO was the first energy company in the nation to partner directly with the St. Jude Dream Home campaign, and being honored as the 2023 Trade Partner of the Year spotlighted the importance of such collaborations, encouraging other utilities to join this great cause. “Our commitment goes beyond donations, working hand-in-hand with the builder, the media partner, and the community to ensure the Dream Home shines a light on the mission of St. Jude,” said Paul Pratt, director, customer services & marketing for SWEPCO.
This year, SWEPCO’s corporate sponsorship was valued at more than $20,000. That included a $15,000 donation to St. Jude, with $2,000 set aside as a milestone prize for ticket buyers. In addition, a $5,000 energy efficiency incentive was provided to Rodgers Homes & Construction to help offset costs of installing cutting-edge features such as heat pump water heaters, induction cooking, ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats, encapsulated attics, and Zip board exterior technology.
“This year, all 16,500 tickets for the 2025 KTBS 3/St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway are SOLD OUT,” said Hannah Werner of ALSAC/St. Jude. “Thanks to the generosity of the ArkLaTex, this campaign has raised over $1,650,000 for the patients and families of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are incredibly grateful for the support that allows us to continue our mission of finding cures & saving children.”
Beyond financial contributions, SWEPCO invests in resources that highlight the progress and impact of the Dream Home campaign. This includes creating a professional time-lapse video to showcase construction, promoting the campaign on social media, and providing displays at SWEPCO offices. Employees and supporters also wear custom t-shirts, while visitors to the Dream Home open houses can learn more through energy efficiency displays.
“Our goal has always been to ensure the Dream Home not only looks great but also performs at the highest levels of energy efficiency,” said Pratt. “Working alongside our community partners to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude is truly an honor. We believe that every child deserves a chance, and we are proud to contribute to this mission.”
SWEPCO’s connection to the St. Jude Dream Home goes back to the very beginning, when the company supported Shreveport’s first home built by George Rodgers, a tradition later carried on by his son, Philip Rodgers. Over the past six years alone, the company has provided more than $100,000 in contributions, services, and prizes.
The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, founded in Shreveport in 1991 by pediatrician Dr. Donald Mack, has raised more than $650 million nationwide to fund lifesaving research and treatment. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food—because all they should worry about is helping their child live.
Open House Information
The public can stop by 779 Duckwater Landing in Bossier City's Duckwater Landing subdivision to view the house, valued at $675,000, each weekend until the giveaway on Sept. 8. Open house hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.