Habitat Williamson-Maury Raises over $21,000 at Hammers and High Heels
July 13, 2015
On Thursday, June 25, 220 supporters came out to support Habitat for Humanity’s 5th Annual Hammers & High Heels event, which was held at the beautiful new event barn at Homestead Manor. Attendees enjoyed fantastic food from the Puckett’s family of restaurants, amazing music from local band Redhead Express, and an online silent auction of 100 different specialty items. In just three fun-filled hours, guests raised $21,745 for the “bricks and sticks” of Habitat’s 2015 Women Build home, surpassing the event’s goal of $20,000.
“It was really exciting to meet our $20,000 goal, and we wouldn’t have been able to do so without the talents and donations of many generous companies and our hardworking volunteers,” explains Habitat’s Director of Development Kim Randell. “More than 20 volunteers came together to put up decorations, man the check-in and auction, and help keep things moving smoothly. A special thank you to our emcee, Mrs. Tennessee Cheryl Brehm who has been a devoted member of this year’s Women Build team. She has done everything to help from wielding a nail gun to collecting silent auction items. In addition, we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support of Puckett’s and Homestead Manor. We were honored to be the first event in their new venue.”
The night also included the unveiling of Habitat wrapped High-roof Nissan NV Cargo Van from Nissan North America. This work van has 320 cubic feet of cargo space and 261 horsepower and will be indispensable to the Habitat team on the build site. Habitat Williamson-Maury Board Member and Director of Corporate Services at Nissan North America Brian Delauter championed the donation and was on hand to pass over the keys at Hammers and High Heels. “This vehicle will be a great addition to the Williamson-Maury Habitat team, including upcoming Women Builds,” he noted.
The night’s entertainment, Redhead Express, stole the show. “We were blown away by the Redhead Express,” notes Habitat’s Director of Communications Jennee Galland. “The whole family was there to support the cause. From helping with AV needs to giving an amazing performance, they went above and beyond. We are so blessed that they choose to support our Habitat ministry with their talents.”
Thanks to the sponsorship support of Nissan, GM, Jim and Amy Keffer, Avenue Bank, Chip Kerr with Crye-Leike Realtors, Mobile Smartbid, and Walmart and the generous in-kind donations of Best Brands, Inc., Cheryl’s Flowers and Gifts, H. Clark Distillery, Muletown Roasted Coffee, Triple Crown Bakery, Perfect Party Pix, Papa C Pies, Puckett’s Boathouse, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, Wild Hare Beer Company, and the many silent auction donors, every dollar raised went straight to the home build for the Aric family.
Jennifer Aric is a single mother who has nine children – seven which still live at home, including a son and daughter who each have a disability. Julia has epilepsy, and Isaiah has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (“brittle bone” disease). Isaiah uses a wheelchair, and his new home includes ADA modifications that will make everyday tasks easier and safer for him and his family.
Habitat’s Women Build program educates and inspires women all over the country to build and advocate for affordable housing in their communities.Hundreds of local volunteers, alongside partner family Jennifer Aric, began constructing and fundraising for the affiliate’s sixth annual Women Build home in April.
Sponsorship cost for the home is $70,000, and $15,000 is still needed to fund the home. Anyone wanting to help can donate online at www.hfhwm.org. Those wanting to volunteer on future builds (including one that starts in July) can contact Volunteer Coordinator Emma Couch at 615-550-5619.
Click here for more photos from the event.
Click here to learn more about the Women Build.
