Over 500 guests gathered for the annual Carpenters Ball to benefit Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley. The event featured dinner, live music, a silent auction, and a paddle raise for Habitat for Humanity’s mission to help local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
According to Caitlin Pauls, development manager and the visionary behind the Western-themed event, “The community really showed up as we raised funds for our life-changing work. We raised more than $1.5 million, which is unprecedented. We are grateful for the continued support from LIV Sotheby’s International Realty — our partners are key in supporting our mission of building homes, community, and hope.”
Each year the event features a story about a homeowner, and this year it showcased a hardworking mother who has several jobs and had to move homes three times in just a year. As a strong member of the local workforce, she started to think living in Eagle County was out of reach. Feeling unsure, she applied to be a Habitat homeowner and was delighted when she realized she qualified to help build and then buy her home.
“Seeing people who are so important to our community have to move away because they cannot afford to live here is not only heartbreaking but it has long-lasting ripple effects,” says Elyse Howard, VP of Philanthropy and Community Affairs. “We all know 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.”
Members of the Habitat for Humanity leadership team and volunteers spoke about ongoing initiatives and construction programs at this inspiring event. 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 by 2028.
“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. LIV Sotheby’s really believes 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 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, were celebrated.
By one estimate, two of these volunteers have worked on 114 homes over 20 years — starting at Fox Hollow in Edwards and finishing at Stratton Flats. In total, this group of about ten volunteers have helped save $2.5M on electrical and framing. This is invaluable in an organization where every dollar counts and every dollar is spent very carefully.
“Housing is out of reach for so many, even those with thriving careers that support our community. If we want our community to thrive, we all need to work together,” says Howard. And that was evident at the Carpenters’ Ball.
Every Habitat homeowner works 250 “sweat equity” hours before they purchase their home. Volunteers are key to helping build for less, and can support without any construction experience needed. Learn more, donate or volunteer at www.habitatvailvalley.org.
Photos by Chris Kendig for Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley