$170,000 Raised in One Hour for Habitat Homes
In one hour, nearly 500 business leaders donated more than $170,000 at the 2008 Habitat Wake Blueprint Breakfast in April. We shared how Habitat Wake creates homeownership opportunities in Wake County and provided information how the community at large can be involved in our housing mission. Homeowners described the security and success they experienced as a result of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.
Guests at the event who gave new and increased gifts helped Habitat Wake meet The Stewards Fund challenge that ran November 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008. During this six month time period, donors generously gave $400,000 in new and increased gifts for the Habitat Wake homeownership program. The Stewards Fund will match with a gift of $200,000. Thank you!
Event Sponsors
Habitat Wake gratefully acknowledges our Title Sponsors and Partners for underwriting the 2008 Blueprint Breakfast.
Title Sponsors
Partners BB&T; FOX 50; Grant Thornton; Bubba & Barbara Rawl; Smith Anderson; Williams Mullen
- "Williams Mullen was excited to sponsor the Blueprint Breakfast because it really demonstrates the power of Habitat’s vision," said Marc Hewitt, a partner of the law firm. "Several hundred business and community leaders make the time to learn about the urgent need for safe, affordable housing in Wake County and how Habitat is working to meet that need. When you hear from a family what a difference Habitat made in their lives, it’s hard not to be moved."
Building Momentum in Wake
This year’s celebration theme was Building Momentum in Wake. And we meant it literally. As guests walked in, many helped hammer boards to frame a wall. This wall -- signed by guests leaving -- will become a wall in a child's bedroom later in 2008.
Table captains invited colleagues and friends to attend the breakfast with them. Below left, Bob Casey of WorkSmart gathers his guests together before finding a seat.
History of the Fundraising Event
The breakfast fundraiser is Habitat Wake's largest educational event. Staff and board introduce guests to Habitat homeowners who share personal stories of the powerful impact of homeownership. Volunteers share anecdotes as well about making gifts of time to create sustainable communities. The breakfast fundraising event is generally held in the spring. In April 2007, guests raised more than $140,000.
- Said John Cramer, then President of the Board: "Hardworking people who provide vital services in our community are frequently unable to afford safe, decent housing for their own families. To partner with nurses' assistants, teachers, retail workers, child care workers, security personnel, housekeepers and landscaping staff who work in our community, we need to work together to make homeownership affordable for them."
Increasing construction and land costs impact the number of homes that Habitat Wake can build. By raising awareness at the annual event, Habitat Wake inspires the supporters to meet the funding need.
