Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity celebrated 40 years of building homes, communities and hope during its Framing the Future Gala, presented by CoStar Group, on Saturday, September 19, at the Altria Theater.
Guests were welcomed to the Altria Theater with a unique reminder of exactly what their support makes possible: the framing of a Habitat home outside the theater. Attendees, including the future owner of the home, had the opportunity to walk through and sign the walls of the structure, which will become part of a future Richmond Habitat home. The experience was made possible by Capital One, the Gala’s Community Impact Sponsor.
"It was magical to see part of my home come to life in front of the Altria Theater,” Cassandra Harris, future Habitat homeowner, said. “I got a chance to walk through and see where the rooms will be and write a message to myself and everyone who is making this dream possible for me and my family."
The sold-out celebration brought together more than 300 Habitat supporters, homeowners, volunteers, community leaders and corporate partners to recognize Richmond Habitat’s impact over the past four decades while raising more than $220,000 to help build and repair affordable homes throughout the Richmond region.
“For 40 years, this community has helped make Richmond Habitat’s work possible,” Neary said. “The Framing the Future Gala was an opportunity to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together and generate excitement about what we can build together over the next 40 years.”
Inside, the evening featured a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, recognition of Richmond Habitat supporters and a powerful story from Marquita Edmonds, a Habitat homeowner and board member, about the lasting impact of affordable homeownership.
“Today, I continue to stay involved with Habitat because I know personally that housing security can change the trajectory of a family's life,” said Edmonds. “It certainly changed mine.”
The Gala marked a milestone year for Richmond Habitat. Founded in 1986, the organization celebrated the dedication of its 400th home earlier this year and is now looking toward the next chapter of its work to address the region’s growing need for affordable housing.
Richmond Habitat extends its gratitude the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, auction contributors and guests who made the event possible.
To see more photos from the evening, visit Framing the Future Gala Album
