HABcore Pura Vida Gala Committee Hosts Centerpiece Challenge

With chirping birds and blooming daffodils and crocuses marking the start of spring, HABcore’s Gala Committee invites local garden clubs and florists to showcase their floral creativity by submitting a tropical-themed centerpiece for the Pura Vida Gala Centerpiece Challenge on June 6, 2025.

The gala’s theme, Pura Vida, celebrates joy, positivity and community with décor from the tropics, featuring vibrant colors, signature rum drinks and an homage to celebrating on “island time,” while raising critical funds to provide permanent, supportive housing for homeless families, individuals and veterans in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The friendly competition will showcase the creativity and floral design talents of the numerous garden clubs, master gardeners and florists throughout our region. Each gala table will highlight one entry, allowing hundreds of guests throughout the evening to view each submission and vote for their favorite design.
The Gala Committee will announce the winning design at the gala, with additional public recognition on HABcore’s social media platforms to highlight the organization’s creativity and community spirit.
“We love our garden clubs and how they beautify our communities,” said Jana Zager, HABcore Gala Committee Chair. “With our tropical-themed event, we wanted to make the gala even more meaningful by having them share talents for a wider audience to experience. We are excited to see the beauty and creativity they will bring to life and add to the evening’s décor and ambiance.”

Participation Details:

• Centerpieces should reflect the tropical and lush Pura Vida theme.
• Deliver designs to Navesink Country Club by 1 p.m. June 6.
• Voting will take place throughout the evening, with the winner announced at the conclusion of the gala.
• Garden clubs, master gardeners and florists interested in participating are encouraged to contact Marta Quinn at mquinn@habcore.org. Space is limited — early sign-ups are encouraged.

About HABcore
HABcore, Inc., by providing permanent, supportive, and affordable housing to veterans, families with children and individuals with special needs who are experiencing homelessness, helps move them from crisis to stability, offering them the opportunity to improve their lives.