HOPE FOR HOMES GALA HONORS PHILANTHROPHY
Tom Montgomery, CEO of Old Colony Construction recieves Habitat’s first Outstanding Philanthrophy Award for his 14 years of sustaining support.Habitat Hope for Homes Gala
Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity’s Hope for Homes Gala honored Fund Tom Montgomery, owner of Old Colony Construction in Staunton, for more than 14 years of outstanding service in philanthropy.
Montgomery noted that he enjoyed supporting Habitat and his other causes because it was more fulfilling to give during his lifetime and see the benefit firsthand.
“You come into this world with nothing, and you are going to leave with nothing, so isn’t it better to make some people happy along the way,” said Montgomery, who lives in Waynesboro with his wife, Dr. Sandra Curry.
Lynn White and Vince Ennis, both of Staunton, were awarded the honorary titles of Board Emeritus with more than 30 years of collective volunteer service and leadership in the organization.
Vince Ennis, John Zinn, Perry Neal, Clayton Griffin, John Howe and Lucian Petras were recognized as those who started the Staunton-Augusta Habitat group in 1991. Salome Baugher, Virginia Francisco, Marney Gibbs and Anna Pullin, all of Staunton, were recognized for their formative work and the First Staunton Women’s build in 1997.
Andrew Elder received the Outstanding Youth in Service award for 2011.
More than $4,000 was raised through the evening’s silent auction and reception. All auction items were donated to the event, including an original art piece by Tom Austin; beautiful handmade semi-precious stone necklace, earring, bracelet sets by Carolyn Gallon; a restored antique hall secretary by Sam Potter; a weekend trip to the Outer Banks; and dinners to Edelweiss Restaurant and Osceola Mill.
Shannon L. Watts, CFRE and president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Virginia Piedmont chapter, spoke on the meaning of philanthropy and recognized this year’s inaugural awardees for standout service in philanthropy. The guest of honor was Ruth Graham, daughter of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham. Graham, an award-winning author, founder and president of Ruth Graham and Friends, spoke on early connections to SAW Habitat’s formation and the relationships and similarities between building homes and building lives with Christ as our foundation.
Silent Auction features orginal art, jewelry, trips, etc.
Tom Austin delivers his latest orginal painting for the Silent Auction on Sat. November 19th.
Tom Austin, local landscape artist – presents Barbi Moon-Theado, SAW Habitat for Humanity Project Manager with his latest work a landscape scene from Otter Lake (located at mile marker 63) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The original art – which happens to compliment Habitat brand colors – will be a featured item during the Hope for Homes gala and silent auction to raise funds and awareness for the need for workforce homeownership in our area. The event will take place at the Best Western in Waynesboro on November 19 and begins at 6 p.m. Information about Tom Austin’s work can be found at www.tomustinart.net Auction items include orginal jewelry, trips to New York, Islands, and the Outer Banks. Local artists work and arrangements, hand-made furniture, antiques, and speciality items.
First Habitat Hope for Homes Gala Planned
Ruth Graham will be a special guest at the benefit ball.
(Staunton, VA November 2, 2011) Planning for the first Hope for Homes benefit gala is underway for the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity Christian housing ministry. The event is planned for November 19 and will be held in the Blue Ridge Grand Ballroom at the Best Western Inn in Waynesboro. The charitable benefit will join community leaders, benefactors, sponsors and philanthropists in an evening to raise awareness of the need for workforce homeownership and investment in our community.
The black tie (optional) affair will feature a reception and silent auction with trips, evenings out, jewelry and original art available for bidders. A gourmet dinner paired with wine will be prepared by local caterer Patsy Wood and served by homeowners and student members of the Habitat Campus Chapter from Mary Baldwin College. The dinner will be followed by dancing and music with Joe Pettus and his band – a well known performer who will perform classic favorites of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
The highlight of the evening will be remarks by special guest Ruth Graham, the third child of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham. Graham will provide insight on her life and ministry as a daughter of the world famous evangelist Dr. Billy Graham. Both of Graham’s parents were living examples of how to follow biblical teachings. “Our dinner conversations were about people whose lives had been changed because of the Gospel,” Ruth Graham said. “Everybody wants to make a difference in life. We saw it was clear that Jesus made a difference.”
The gala steering committee for this invitation only event includes: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Vames, Mrs. Raymond Reed, Mr. Tom Montgomery and Dr. Sandra Curry, Mrs. Pam Huggins, Dr. and Mrs. James Perkins, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Clark. If you would like more information about the event, please contact Barbi Moon-Theado (ex. 106) or Rhonda Howdyshell (ex. 102) at SAW Habitat for Humanity (540) 886-1944.
Montgomery noted that he enjoyed supporting Habitat and his other causes because it was more fulfilling to give during his lifetime and see the benefit firsthand. “You come into this world with nothing, and you are going to leave with nothing, so isn’t it better to make some people happy along the way,” said Montgomery, who lives in Waynesboro with his wife, Dr. Sandra Curry. Lynn White and Vince Ennis, both of Staunton, were awarded the honorary titles of Board Emeritus with more than 30 years of collective volunteer service and leadership in the organization. Vince Ennis, John Zinn, Perry Neal, Clayton Griffin, John Howe and Lucian Petras were recognized as those who started the Staunton-Augusta Habitat group in 1991. Salome Baugher, Virginia Francisco, Marney Gibbs and Anna Pullin, all of Staunton, were recognized for their formative work and the First Staunton Women’s build in 1997. Andrew Elder received the Outstanding Youth in Service award for 2011. More than $4,000 was raised through the evening’s silent auction and reception. All auction items were donated to the event, including an original art piece by Tom Austin; beautiful handmade semi-precious stone necklace, earring, bracelet sets by Elizabeth Gallons; a restored antique hall secretary by Sam Potter; a weekend trip to the Outer Banks; and dinners to Edelweiss Restaurant and Osceola Mill. Shannon L. Watts, CFRE and president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Virginia Piedmont chapter, spoke on the meaning of philanthropy and recognized this year’s inaugural awardees for standout service in philanthropy. The guest of honor was Ruth Graham, daughter of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham. Graham, an award-winning author, founder and president of Ruth Graham and Friends, spoke on early connections to SAW Habitat’s formation and the relationships and similarities between building homes and building lives with Christ as our foundation.
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