Third Annual Habitat Harvest
“We had the best table!”
That was the most prevalent declaration from the 96 guests who attended this year’s sold-out annual Habitat fundraiser on Friday, November 30. The enthusiasm seemed to progressively rise with the introduction of each of the seven gourmet courses. Wine pairings expertly arranged by steward Jacqueline George and guest seating thoughtfully planned by Chair Doreen Henry resulted in an evening of immeasurable enjoyment. A crescendo of excitement occurred when board member Margie Garrard challenged the full house to match her table’s donation of seven doors, in Habitat’s “donate a door” program. Thanks to competing donations, 37 doors were donated – enough to outfit 12 new homes at Sunshine Coast Village!
In total, approximately $18,000 was raised in support of Habitat’s Sunshine Coast Village build. A good portion of those funds was raised by Ed Hill’s entertaining auction of “ReStored Art” donated by artists such as Jan Poynter, Manon Staiger, Ursula Bentz, Katie Janyk and Theresa Lee. Pauulet Hohn’s contribution of a much-admired mosaic depicting “home” captured the most active participation and the highest bid. Two months earlier, each artist had been provided with a ReStore credit to select items for their artistic creations. There were some extremely imaginative artworks, such as Ken Walters’ paper mache work “Nothing is Easy” using burlap, a lamp cover and a door from the ReStore. As Pauulet Hohn stated: [there is] “something so magical in taking a discarded item … and turning it once again into a valuable and saleable piece – renewing its life.”
Habitat’s primary goal is renewing the lives of families who may not otherwise have an opportunity for home ownership. At present, two more Habitat families are excitedly preparing to move into their new homes at Sunshine Coast Village before Christmas. Thanks to this year’s successful fundraiser, even more construction supplies, appliances, windows and doors will be purchased to pave the way for another two families to open the door to a new beginning in 2013.
Habitat would like to thank Industrial-Alliance for once again being our primary event sponsor. The evening’s grand prize was generously donated by The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Westcoast/Harbour Air Seaplanes. Live auction donors included Tantaulus Resort Lodge, Scandinave Spa, Tinhorn Creek and the Executive Inn, Victoria. Additional donors included the Rainbow Room Salon and Spa, Northern Divine caviar, More Café and Bakeshop, and the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club. We would also like to thank the administration and kitchen staff of the golf course, managed by Barry McWha, for their dedication to detail and superbly prepared dinner offerings. Thanks as well to the efforts of all the volunteers, this year’s annual fundraiser was the best ever!
By Deb Pepper
Third Annual Habitat Harvest
Habitat’s Sunshine Coast Village Grand Opening and Home Dedications
Sunday, September 30 - More than 300 Habitat volunteers, supporters and sponsors gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Sunshine Coast Village, Wilson Creek, and to welcome Habitat’s first two families on Sunday, September 30. Guests enjoyed the music of Bad to the Bow and The Billy Hillpickers while lunching at the food trucks and sharing free cake courtesy of Marketplace IGA WilsonCreek. The Habitat families were grateful for the many gifts they received including an official welcome and membership from John Denham, President, Wilson Creek/Davis Bay/Selma Park Community Association, gift certificates from IGA and Pepper Creek Pizza, and large photo frames, engraved "Welcome Home," from Suncoast Lock and Key in Sechelt.
Dedications for Hunts
Messages of welcome and congratulations were also extended by Mayor John Henderson, MLA Nicholas Simon and sponsor Shelley McDade, CEO, Sunshine Coast Credit Union. Rev. Nestegaard Paul conducted the traditional home dedications and "Bread and Salt Ceremony," extending blessings of good health and abundance to the families in their new homes.
