Byron and Angelina Sanchez and Ganimete Xhokli each received keys to a brand-new townhome Monday after a block party dedication ceremony in Clearwater hosted by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, formerly Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, rebranded in 2025 after expanding into Hernando County.

The Original Hooters, operated by HMC Hospitality Group, sponsored both units. It's the 11th home the company has built with Habitat since 2016 and the first time the partnership produced townhomes rather than single-family houses.

"Our house will be a safe, stable foundation for our family, and a home where our daughter can grow with joy, security and faith," Byron and Angelina Sanchez said at the ceremony. The couple has a 1-year-old daughter.

Xhokli said at the dedication that the home gives her the stability and security she needs to build the future she has been working toward.

$151,500 donation, 252 volunteer hours

Representatives from Original Hooters presented a $151,500 donation to Habitat at The Original Hooters in Clearwater. Chelsea Vazquez, HMC Hospitality Group's regional training coordinator, handed the keys to both families at the dedication.

In the months leading up to June 22, Hooters employees from Tampa Bay-area locations and the corporate office logged 252 volunteer hours across the two townhomes, helping with framing, window and door installation, flooring, stove installation and painting.

A decade-long partnership tops $1 million in giving

The partnership between HMC Hospitality Group and Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside stretches back to 2016. Over that span, the company has donated a cumulative $1,034,100 and more than 2,970 volunteer hours to build homes in the area, according to Habitat. Previous families who received Hooters-sponsored homes include the Williams, Elias, Clarke, Hooten, Miller, Hicks, Smith, Hayes and Seville families.

Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, said the organization is grateful for the long-standing support. He noted that Habitat homeowners don't receive free houses. In a January interview with the St. Pete Catalyst, Sutton explained that families invest hundreds of hours of sweat equity, complete financial education courses and pay a zero-interest mortgage with no down payment, keeping housing costs at or below 30% of household income.

Denise Williams, chief marketing officer of HMC Hospitality Group, said the company was honored to celebrate with both families as they received their keys.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is headquartered in Clearwater and serves Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties.