Eatonton’s Briarpatch Farm welcomed a large, enthusiastic crowd on Saturday for “Songwriters Night: Love Builds Here,” an evening of live music, community, and generosity in support of Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) and its most ambitious project yet.
Set inside the farm’s barnturned- event-space, about 500 guests gathered for an intimate, Nashville-style songwriters event featuring acclaimed artists Josh Phillips, Trent Tomlinson, and Wynn Varble. The evening blended storytelling and acoustic performances from each artist and even included a powerful recording of Songwriters Night: Love Builds Here, a special song that reflects the heart of HFHP’s mission.
“Man, this is awesome, just a great experience,” Phillips said shortly after the concert wrapped up. “It’s obviously a great foundation, and to come down here and support Habitat for Humanity with the Rainey family, it’s just been amazing. For us to come down and play some songs that we love, that we wrote, and tell the stories behind them, and have 500 people listening? It was awesome.”
“Songwriters Night” brought together supporters from across Lake Country, raising more than $70,000 in donations to support affordable homeownership opportunities in Putnam County. All proceeds will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Putnam and its work, including the development of the affiliate’s most ambitious project to date: Carter Crossing, a planned neighborhood of approximately 30 new Habitat homes near Lake Sinclair in the Twin Bridges area of the county.
“This night was a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together,” HFHP Executive Director Murali Thirumal told the crowd. “We are incredibly grateful to Mike and Kathy Rainey for their generosity in opening Briarpatch Farm and for their deep belief in Habitat’s mission here in Putnam County. Their heart for giving back to this community made this night possible.
“Events like this do more than raise funds,” Thiramul continued. “They bring people together around a shared purpose and remind us of what’s possible when a community shows up for one another.”
The evening also benefited from the generous support of Habitat’s Community Partners, including Farmers & Merchants Bank and Walmart Eatonton Supercenter, whose contributions helped bring the event to life and maximize its impact for local families.
“This event is a reflection of what makes our community so special. When local businesses, neighbors, and organizations come together around a shared mission, the impact is real and lasting,” HFHP Board Chair Linda Moore said.
“There’s something special that happens in this barn when the community shows up,” venue co-owner Mike Rainey added. “Bringing people together through music and storytelling, especially for a cause like Habitat, is what it’s all about.”
Habitat for Humanity of Putnam extended sincere thanks to the songwriters, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and every guest for making the evening a success.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Putnam or to support ongoing efforts, visit putnamcountyhabitat.org.