Habitat for Humanity of Putnam held its inaugural Building Hope Gala Nov. 14 at Barrel 118 in Eatonton. A sold-out crowd of more than 150 patrons donated generously through various auctions and monetary gifts.
HFHP Executive Director Murali Thiramul said the event far exceeded his expectations on several levels, so the night was a resounding success from his perspective.
“You are always on pins and needles because you’re not quite sure how and where things will go and whether it’ll go in places and directions that you expect it to,” Thiramul said. “Just whether it’ll work, what might fail, what are the glitches, but it exceeded every wildest dream I ever had.”
It was hosted by Barrel 118 owners Sarah and Kevin Tomson Hooper, who donated the use of the multi-purpose event space for the Habitat event.
“As well as made a very generous donation,” Thiramul added.
The Building Hope Gala opened with a cocktail reception in the rear bar area and dinner and speeches in the main hall.
Georgia Power Senior Vice President of Regional External Affairs Audrey King was the keynote speaker. He ultimately delivered a new way to think of H-A-B-I-T-A-T as “How Anchored Believers Impact Those Around Them.”
“Are you an anchor?” King asked of everyone in the crowd. “Are you willing to elevate lives, help homeowners achieve their dreams, and build our communities?
“This community belongs to us. Let’s build it together,” she continued. “Let’s show our communities what we can do when we come together when we’re generous in our giving and generous in our support.”
King also spoke of Habitat for Humanity’s reputation for changing lives and inspiring individuals to strive for more in the future, then offered a few suggestions to help that process advance.
“I want you to advocate, to use your voice and spread the word about Habitat’s mission and all the wonderful things that Habitat does, the impact that it has on families, the impact that it has on communities,” she said.
She also reminded everyone of volunteerism's impact on them as individuals, whether giving of time, talents, or treasures.
“Spread the word; share Habitat’s humanity, mission, and stories on social media,” she advocated to the crowd. “You are here tonight. Snap a picture and post it on social media because that’s a thousand words. A picture is worth a thousand words.”
King said it’s all about increasing awareness of what’s happening, recognizing the importance of making monetary donations and providing support through volunteering.
“Your hands-on efforts will open opportunities for you, just like they did for me,” King said. “To see someone’s dream come true and know you helped make that possible. So, donate land. There’s an opportunity for you to donate land so that Habitat can continue its efforts of building, growing, changing lives, and impacting families.”
After her remarks, King helped auction off two donations from Georgia Power, including four courtside tickets to an Atlanta Hawks game, won by Laura Stanley, and a two-night stay at Reynolds Lake Oconee, including a round of golf and a half-day pontoon rental, won by Rhonda and Lee Manis.
As thrilled as Thiramul was about everything that went on at the HFHP Gala, he tempered that enthusiasm with recognition of a continuing, increasing need for future fundraising.
“It has to be a tempered excitement in that if the cost of building keeps going up, we’ll never get ahead of ourselves. And that’s the flip side,” he said. “I don’t want to end negatively, but that’s what’s happening in the building industry. So, what do we do about that? I don’t have a solution for it right now, but I’m so encouraged to know that people understand and respond to a very valid cost. And I thank them.”
Those unable to attend can contribute to Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s Building Hope Campaign by visiting putnamcountyhabitat.org/take-action.
For more information about HFHP, its upcoming events, or opportunities to get involved, email info@putnamcountyhabitat.org or call 706-991-1600.