“Celebrating our Hard Hats & High Heels Gala in September was a special milestone for us… This was by far the largest Gala in our 40 year history,” said Kimberley Coley, Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento.
“As I look back on our journey – and my own – I am overwhelmed with gratitude, awe, and a renewed sense of responsibility.”
Guided by its mission to put love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
To prepare for the Gala event, Habitat for Humanity volunteers, staff and community partners transformed a 22,000 square foot warehouse in the River District usually filled with building materials and a “Restore” Facility into a ballroom for this special one night event. Coley described this major undertaking as a “Labor of Love” for everyone who was involved in the transformation.
“We needed to install lighting, a pop-up kitchen, audio visual services and staging for our DJ, and a visitor bathroom.”
Habitat for Humanity received in-kind donations to build out the kitchen. SMUD assisted with the electric power, and Canon of East Sac Restaurant served the food to create a “Farm to Fork” dining experience. Republic Services provided trash pickup and disposal after the event was over.
Reflections on our Purpose
“This event showed our guests and community partners where the money goes…where the magic happens” Coley shared with pride.
The Gala was an extraordinarily successful fundraising event, receiving $590,000; and attracted a total of 550 homeowners and special guests. Coley described the event as an opportunity for participants to share heartfelt stories and testimonials that described the impact of Habitat for Humanity in their lives.
“What made the evening even more profound was the moment we paused to reflect on what those four decades meant. We celebrated 642 homes built and repaired, more than 50,000 lives impacted, over 26,000 volunteers who have shown up with their hands and their hearts, and 213 hardworking families who have become first-time homeowners. These aren’t just numbers – they are proof of what happens when a community believes in one another. As home prices continue to rise, we want to support hard working families.”
Together, we will continue building.
Together, we will continue believing.
Together, we will continue becoming the community we are meant to be.
Proud Sacramento History
“Forty-years of building isn’t just an organizational milestone. It is a legacy of love, partnership, and perseverance, written by thousands of hands and hearts across Sacramento and Yolo counties. What began in the basement of a home in Oak Park in 1985 has grown into a mission that spans two counties, thousands of volunteers, and tens of thousands of lives changed through affordable homeownership, critical repairs, and community revitalization,” Coley said.
The River District office became their new home in 2012. The office is located at 819 North 10th Street, Sacramento.
Origins of Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento serves both Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Habitat for Humanity International, founded in Georgia in 1976, operates around the globe to help build, renovate and repair more than 600,000 decent, affordable homes to shelter more than 3 million people.
Written by Janice Kelley, outdoorjan@att.net
