A Fort Riley soldier received a Father's Day gift he only thought possible in his dreams: owning his own home.

Army Sgt. Michael Guardiola received $5,000 for the down payment on a new home from American Dream Development. He was the first to receive assistance as part of a non-profit foundation that aids working families in buying a home, said Tina Burton, American Dream Development sales and marketing executive.

"The goal is to provide affordable housing and get families into a home that they wouldn't normally be able to buy," she said.

Burton said Guardiola is a father of three who was new to town and excited about buying a home but needed the help of American Dream Development.

Guardiola was awarded the down payment Saturday at the Celebration of the American Dream event. The event took place at The Village at Freedom Place, where Guardiola's new townhome is under construction. Burton said more than 400 people attended the event, where people could view a model home and participate in a fundraising volleyball tournament, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.

"The event was a huge success," Burton said. "We had a lot of people interested in our homes."

American Dream Development, based in Junction City, provides up to $10,000 for soldiers, firefighters, teachers, nurses and police officers who need assistance in purchasing a home. Burton said people may apply to receive funding for a down payment, and all applications are reviewed and decided by a board.

The Village at Freedom Place, built by American Dream Development, offers amenities such as a swimming pool, park, fenced-in yards and a retail plaza.

"We're always adding improvements," Burton said. "It's a very family-oriented community."