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Kristy Barlow, Ricky Barlow, Jen Barney Ben Barney, Beth Liechty Kent Liechty, Tara Springer, Garold Springer

What made you and the other “founding families” decide to get involved in this type of work?
After going on humanitarian trips with other charitable organizations, we came home with a love for the people we served and a strong desire to improve the experience. Along with building homes, we wanted to include educational and micro-industrial opportunities for those we were serving. But most importantly, we wanted to create a foundation where 100 percent of the monies donated go toward humanitarian aid.

When does the organization build homes?
Builders Without Borders of Utah is structured so that, once trained, an individual or group can begin their own charter. We now have several charters going to different parts of the world at different times of the year.

How do you select which families receive help?
We don’t select the families. We rely on organizations that are already in place at each locale, such as ecclesiastical leaders and community leaders. We believe local leaders are in a better position to know where the greatest needs are.
How do you select volunteers to help?
So far, it’s just been word of mouth. Once someone goes with us, they are eager to have their friends and family share in the same amazing experience. During a weeklong trip, we’ll have between 75 and 90 volunteers who come from all walks of life — not just building contractors. Along with eight or nine building projects going on during the week, we also hold educational workshops, firesides, medical clinics, service projects and recreational activities with the people we are serving. There is contact information on our website — builderswithoutbordersofutah.org. If you’d like to join us, we’ll find a charter that is doing a trip when it is most convenient for you!

What financial commitment is there for volunteers?
Each trip is different, but the average cost per volunteer is around $200 to $400 of their own money. This amount covers the cost of their trip, a small charter fee, and a trip T-shirt. The money Builders Without Borders of Utah raises is kept completely separate from the trip costs and is used strictly for the humanitarian aid. That is what makes us so unique. There are no paid administrators in our organization, so 100 percent of all funds donated goes directly toward the humanitarian aid we provide. We could not do this without the thoughtful donations we receive from caring people and businesses.

Why is the micro-industry such an important part of your efforts?
Much of our micro-industry is geared toward providing a home-based business for working and/or single mothers. We offer training and the equipment necessary for these women to bring in additional income for their families. Many times, our intervention means the difference between their families eating and not eating.

How has UCCU been involved in your organization and how does the institution help the work?
UCCU has been the only banking institution we’ve needed. We try to boost the local economy wherever we are serving. Consequently, we’ll have large amounts of supplies purchased over a week’s time intermittently throughout the year. UCCU knows us and understands what we’re doing, so we’ve never had a problem purchasing supplies out of the country. Builders Without Borders of Utah has also been the beneficiary of a financial donation from UCCU.

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GETTING THERE
  Heading up Provo Canyon from Provo you make a right turn at Vivian Park. Drive 3 miles up the small South Fork Canyon until you reach a small park. Drive to the end of the park to a large parking area. The trail begins at the opening of the fence on the north end of the parking lot.

THE TRAIL
  The loop trail in Big Springs Hollow is considered to be a classic in the Utah County mountain bike community. It is a fairly short trail but gives you a chance to climb 750 feet in 3.5 miles and get a great downhill experience. The trail is a firmly packed single track and is great to ride until the snow flies.
  The trail begins in thick trees near the small creek. It winds up the small canyon on a perfect single track. You will cross the creek several times on wooden bridges ,and before you know it you forget about the 750 vertical feet you are climbing to get to the top of the loop. At the crest of the trail, hang a left and start your fun through the trees. This is a great spot to stop and catch your breath and grab a drink of water. The downhill portion of the loop is one of the finest in the valley, crossing through thick forest and peeking out at open meadows. It is the perfect mix for a perfect ride.
  There are several variations to the trail, but they all loop back to the main parking area and canyon. There is even a chance to continue up along the Great Western Trail for some serious mountain bike climbing. This is for the die hard bikers.
  If you only have a few hours to get away for a ride, this is your trail. It is short and sweet and gives you majestic views of Cascade Mountain and Provo Canyon.
  The trail is for intermediate riders and those willing to slug up the first mile of climbing. There are no major obstacles and the riding is straight forward.
  Get out and give the trail a try.

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2. East Bay #13
PAR 5 • 494 Yards Can anyone say water? Keep it in the fairway for a routine par. Hit away if you’re feeling lucky. A big drive leaves a 3-wood to the hole. A number of small bunkers protect the green, giving your short game a workout.

3. Talons Cove #6
PAR 3 • 223 Yards Everyone loves long par 3s, right? I know, I know. We all hate ‘em. But this one has such good views of the mountains and lake it just couldn’t be left off the list. And see those bunkers in front of the green? Don’t hit it there.

4. Sleepy Ridge #18
PAR 4 • 368 Yards Great finishing hole. It’s not too long and still gives you a chance to make a good score. A big slice off the tee will put you in the water — avoid that and you are home free. Putting on this green will test your I-don’t-practice skills.

5. Cedar Hills #1
PAR 4 • 371 Yards What’s more fun than pulling out the driver and hitting off a cliff? That is what this hole feels like, although hopefully you’re hitting it straight. Once the drive is in the fairway, a simple PW to the green and you are off to a great start.

6. Soldier Hollow Gold Course #16
PAR 3 • 204 Yards This long par 3 on the Gold course will test your skill. You hit downhill at a long and narrow green. Whatever you do, don’t miss left or you will be heading for the weeds.

7. Fox Hollow #16
PAR 5 • 515 Yards Slicers beware! This hole looks scarier than it is. It will make you think, and hopefully you will make the right choice and lay up. But if you don’t, make sure you have enough club to get over the water. The bunker on the back of the green is a good place to miss.

8. Wasatch Mtn. #12
PAR 5 • 635 Yards Step up and swing away. This downhill par 5 lets you grip-it-and-rip-it. The yardage is long, but with the help of a little altitude and wind you will have a chance at getting on this green in two. Severe breaks in the green will provide the challenge.

9. Thanksgiving Point #3
PAR 4 • 308 Yards Thanksgiving Point is known for its long, challenging holes. Thankfully, they threw in a shorter (but still challenging) hole. With the wind at your back, the big hitters can hit the green. If you’re smart, just take out an iron and hit the large fairway. An easy par or birdie awaits you on this great hole.

10. Gladstan #12
PAR 4 • 270 Yards The ultimate risk and reward, this hole is known as the canyon hole. A good drive over the small canyon will put you on or very close to the green. But beware — huge scores await those that don’t make a good swing. One more thing … stop for a moment and enjoy the view.

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