A magical evening of building homes, hope and community

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley’s Carpenters’ Ball is March 14 and it’s the perfect way

to celebrate affordable homeownership, volunteerism and long-time partnerships while making an impact. The annual event is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser — and biggest ever.

“We have so many who support our mission of building homes, community and hope,” says Caitlin Pauls, development manager and the visionary behind the Western-themed event. “This is an evening of where we raise funds for our life-changing work, and where we share how we are able to do such work… the answer is community.”

The gala is always Western-themed, but this year adds the element of plaids and prints — think Ralph Lauren or Pendleton. We all have the friend who goes all out for any event — at the Carpenters’ Ball that friend can be nominated for “Best Dressed.” Other unique elements include custom embroidery from Mark and Make, specialty cocktails, one-of-a-kind auction packages and the homeowner story, which drives home the message of why Habitat Vail Valley, and the Carpenters’ Ball, are so important to our community.

“We have all heard about the housing crisis but at Habitat, we get to know these hardworking locals who want nothing more than to find a way to put down roots and find permanence here. They are teachers, county employees, law enforcement officers, resort workers — the people who are in our community and make it run,” says Elyse Howard, VP of Philanthropy and Community Affairs. “Housing is out of reach for so many, even those who work ‘good’ jobs. If we want our community to thrive, we all need to work together.”

Part of the evening is sharing the goals behind year two of Habitat’s four-year strategic plan, “Building to 200” homes, which comes with a $35M investment Since 1995, Habitat Vail Valley has built 187 homeownership opportunities. It took 26 years to build the first 100 homes; the next 100 are well under way and will be completed by2028.

“Every home is an investment in our community and our workforce,” adds Pauls. “We’re exceptionally grateful for the sponsors who come back year after year to put their money towards building homes with locals: Slifer Smith and Frampton, Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains, and Laureen Hopkins Interior Design and Carrie Fell Home. These companies really believe in building community one home at a time.”

Habitat Vail Valley is able to build and sell the homes for about half of the free-market rate thanks to strong partnerships, discounts and maybe one of the things the organization is best known for: volunteers. At this year’s Carpenters’ Ball the long-serving group of ‘regulars,’ who come out every Wednesday, rain, snow or shine to help build homes.

By one estimate, two of these volunteers have worked on 114 homes over 20 years. That is invaluable in an organization where every dollar counts and every dollar is spent very carefully.

While the event sold out in just a few weeks, there are many ways to support Habitat Vail Valley. The silent auction has fantastic packages, gift cards and experiences — bidding is open March 7 through March 20. Volunteer: every Habitat homeowner works 250 ‘sweat equity’ hours before they purchase their home. There is a long list of to-dos from painting to hanging doors. Donate: the Habitat advantage means every dollar earned or donated has twice the purchasing power.

Be part of building strong foundations at the perfect culmination of revelry and philanthropy — Habitat Vail Valley’s Carpenters’ Ball. Learn more, buy, bid and build at www.carpentersball.org.