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Raising hope for local families |
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Thursday, 19 March 2009 |
 By CARLY SNIDER
Staff Writer
They raised the roof, awareness and funds.
Events Management program students held the third of four fundraisers for Habitat for Humanity in the form of a dinner and dance called Raise the Roof at Sparrow Lakes Golf Course in Welland on Feb. 27, raising over $3,500.
“It was challenging, but once everyone found their niche, it took off,” said Liana Curtis, décor co-ordinator. “It was really hard work and time consuming, but it was worth it.”
“We, as a team, are very happy and proud of Raise the Roof,” said Jeannette Pieterse, marketing co-ordinator.
The event sold out all of its $40 tickets and featured four food stations set up in a household atmosphere with family room, living room, kitchen and patio areas.
A silent auction attracted much of the attendees’ attention and money, with big-ticket items such as a seven-night accommodation in a two-bedroom condominium in Orlando, Fla., worth $2,100 that sold for almost $800.
Guests could also bid on a night out in Ottawa including accommodation, dinner and hockey tickets worth $500, an architectural consultation valued at $300, an interior design consultation with a value of $240, and wine collections, golf packages, spa packages and gift certificates.
“We’ve been so fortunate,” said Nicole Smith, committee chair. “When people heard it was for [Habitat for Humanity] they were like, ‘Oh yeah, here!’”
The committee was surprised by the generous donations when they picked up more than they expected from donors, according to Smith. The number of donations allowed the committee to make more valuable packages than they expected and draw for door prizes throughout the evening.
As she browsed the silent auction items, Raise the Rood guest Fay Soultanis shared her impressions on the event.
“It’s great,” she said. “It’s very complete. They seemed to cover all their bases.”
“They look like a good team: they’re organized and they look good as a group.” Soultanis said, noting that it looked like the committee co-ordinated what they were wearing.
Alastair Davis, Habitat for Humanity Niagara’s chief executive officer, enjoyed the “elegant evening.”
“It [the concept of Raise the Roof] is so aligned with what we do,” he said. “We are raising hope for families.”
Davis became emotional when speaking of the family that will be moving into the house the Construction program students have been building and the “unbelievable” support from Dan Patterson, Niagara College president.
“The Habitat goal is to transform people’s lives. It transforms everyone’s lives who are involved. You feel different,” he said.
“We are particularly proud of the house we’re raising with the students from Niagara College,” Davis said. “This is a partnership we hope to continue for many years.” |
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