Habitat Bucks Gala Raises $126,000

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County’s annual fundraising gala, Hard Hats & High Heels, raised $126,000 this year in support of Habitat’s homeownership and home repair programs benefitting local families.

The 219 guests at the gala heard from Melissa, a recent Habitat homeowner, who shared her inspiring story of perseverance and how she fulfilled her dream of homeownership – from living on the street, in foster care, and eventually achieving the stability owning her own home has provided for her and her sons.

“This family was humbled by the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners who gave so generously to make their new home possible,” said Florence Kawoczka, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.

Stefanie Clark, Family Program Director, served as emcee for the evening and was surprised by being awarded the Spirit of Habitat award for her more than 21 years of service to families in Bucks County.

“I have personally witnessed the impact we are having: families who are now planting gardens and putting down roots in their community after renting for more than 20 years; children having their own rooms now to study in and thrive. Our Home Repair program is repairing HVAC systems and keeping folks warm in the winter and allowing others to regain their independence and the ability to enjoy the outdoors via access ramps,” shared Clark.

The fun in this fundraiser was evident in the Designer Challenge, where items potentially destined for landfills were donated to the Habitat ReStores where they were selected by professional interior designers, decorators, furniture makers, artists, and craftsmen who transformed them into unique furnishings. These upcycled, gently-used household goods were auctioned at the gala, becoming treasures and future family heirlooms. Ultimately, just as the ReStores turn donations from generous and environmentally-conscious individuals and businesses into dollars to build homes for families, each of these one-of-a-kind creations also raised funds to build homes.

“We are grateful to our donors, staff, volunteers, and community members for helping to grow our impact,” said Kawoczka. “Their support is critical to our ability to make our homeownership and home repair programs available to lower-income families in Bucks County.”

The evening’s sponsors included Johnson & Johnson and Penn Community Bank serving as Diamond Hammer Sponsors and Parx Casino as a Ruby Hammer Sponsor. Platinum Hammer Sponsors included NorthPoint Development, Liberty Coca-Cola, and Penn Wealth Planning, with Blue Rock Construction, Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club, Pennoni, Clemons, Richter & Reis, PC, Curtin & Heefner LLP, Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP, and Univest Financial serving as Gold Hammer Sponsors.

About Habitat Bucks

Founded in 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County’s mission is Building Communities, Empowering Families. Since then, it has built or fully renovated 125 homes that are affordable in Bucks County through its Homeownership Program, which provides an opportunity for low-income families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance by partnering with Habitat. Its low-cost Home Repair program makes interior and exterior repairs, including critical repairs, to help individuals improve accessibility and safety in their own homes. Revenue from Habitat Bucks ReStores provides a source of sustainable funding for the construction and repair of homes. Habitat brings diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. For more information, call 215.822.2812 or visit habitatbucks.org.