Raise the Roof Gala: Annual Event is Reframed during COVID
Over 550 guests attended Loudoun Habitat’s Raise the Roof Gala held at The National Conference Center the first weekend of March 2020. For many, it was the last large event attended. Thankfully all guests remained healthy as the pandemic hit Loudoun County about the same time.
Leesburg (February 4, 2021) It was this time last year when Loudoun Habitat for Humanity staff was preparing to welcome over 550 guests to its annual fundraising event to raise roofs for Loudoun County residents in need of affordable housing. The March 7, 2020 gala went off without a hitch and was a wonderful, successful event for Loudoun Habitat. A week later, COVID shuttered businesses, schools, activities, and events throughout the county, state, and country. For many, the Raise the Roof Gala was the last time they were able to put on their dancing shoes to celebrate.
Thankfully, with continued support from the community, Loudoun Habitat has continued to move forward with its programs of homeownership, home repairs, and more here in the county over the past year. “2020 was nothing short of unprecedented and difficult for many, especially those working on the front lines, living in communal housing environments, and of course for those who lost their jobs or suffered severe health setbacks and family tragedy because of the pandemic,” reflected Therese Cashen, Executive Director for Loudoun Habitat. “The hard work, ingenuity, and sheer determination of our community has left us nothing short of humbled and incredibly thankful.”
While COVID continues to impact the ability of our community to gather and celebrate, Loudoun Habitat is excited to announce a different approach to this year’s annual fundraiser. One that allows for COVID restrictions yet raises much needed funds to continue its work in Loudoun.
Raise the Roof Reframed is a ten-week event kicking off on Friday, March 5 with a virtual auction. Over the weekend of March 5-7, Habitat supporters can place virtual bids on 50 plus auction items including Golf for four at River Creek, Creighton Farms, Westfields and others, a Brew with the Brewer Experience at the award winning Black Hoof Brewery, a Cucinamore Italian Cooking Party in your home for 6 and much more. There will also be a raffle for a Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike with limited tickets available for purchase to increase the odds of winning. The entire Loudoun community is invited to participate in this auction. After registering for the virtual auction (http://bit.ly/2021VirtualAuction), further instructions for online bidding will be sent to each participant.
“The mobile bidding app is easy to use and will keep participants up-to-the-minute on bids,” said Kari Murphy, Director of Resource Development for Habitat. “This virtual auction and raffle for a Peloton bike will be a fun way to support the organization with a chance to win a great prize Be sure to check out the auction preview on the virtual auction registration home page regularly as new items will be added weekly.” Through a very generous donation from Moss Building & Design, the first 50 auction registrants will have the $10 entrance fee waived when using discount code “MOSS”.
In addition to the virtual Raise the Roof Auction, there will also be a series of small private events hosted by Habitat supporters. These events, which will follow all health and safety COVID protocols, are designed to allow for social distancing, while offering a fun, safe way to engage in the Habitat mission and fundraising effort. The event organizers are also excited to announce a partnership with Bear Chase Brewery in Bluemont, VA for an event open to the public to be held on May 1, 2021. More details will be coming soon on this upcoming event.
“Loudoun Habitat for Humanity continues partnering with homebuyers, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community organizations to transform lives and rebuild communities. There is much more work to do,” explained Cashen. “Currently we have 10 future homebuyers in the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, this year’s annual Raise the Roof event will look different, but with the support of this reframed event, Loudoun Habitat can continue to increase the number of families served right here in Loudoun County.”
Details on the virtual auction weekend, Raise the Roof Reframed sponsorships, and the upcoming May 1, 2021 event can be found at www.loudounhabitat.org/rtrreframed. Please contact Kari Murphy, Director of Resource Development, at 703-737-6772 x 103 or at kmurphy@loudounhabitat.org to discuss how you can raise the roof in support of affordable housing in Loudoun County.