Habitat for Humanity holds annual fund-raiser

March 24, 2001

Habitat for Humanity holds annual fund-raiser

By SCOTT BUTKI

About 330 people attended the annual fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity of Washington County that raised at least $19,000 Saturday night.

Tickets for the eighth annual event at the Ramada Inn were $35 per person.

The theme was "Planting Hope with Humanity."

The goal was to raise $20,000, which would pay for half the cost of a home. That would also mark the most money raised at the annual event, said Sherry Brown, executive director of the county chapter.

The total raised was at $19,000 by 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and the event was not yet over.

The event invitation states that every 10 seats sold would pay for a window and 10 tables sold would purchase a heating system.

The fund-raiser is the group's largest annual event, Brown said.

All the proceeds each year go directly into construction of more buildings.

The group has built about 10 homes since 1994 and hopes to build four more this year, Brown said.

The event used to be held at the Four Points Sheraton but it has grown too large, she said. This year's turnout demonstrated that again.

The event included raffles, silent and live auctions and other fund-raising activities. Items auctioned included Baltimore Orioles tickets and a satellite television system.

An official Major League baseball signed by Cal Ripken Jr. and donated by him was sold for $250.

Before the auction, Brown said, "Let's have fun, bid high and raise another roof in Washington County."

Dave Barnhart, WHAG-TV weekend weatherman, served as master of ceremonies.

"What we are trying to do is give someone a hand up, not a handout," he said.

Habitat homes are built for residents in need of decent housing. Residents who are selected assist with the construction by providing "sweat equity" - helping build their own home and helping other families do the same.

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