Gala Gives Comfort
Focusing on the Mission
Home Building Foundation will impact the lives of hundreds of people experiencing homelessness after its 2024 Building Hope Gala and Auction. More than $500,000 was pledged during the annual dinner and auction June 1 at Tumwater Vineyards in West Linn. Supporters came dressed in white, and filled a giant tent nestled in the grape vines. The annual event supports HBF’s work to build and remodel shelters and bolsters its education outreach programs. Presenting Sponsor Ridgecrest Custom Cabinetry helped host an evening to remember for 360 guests. The evening featured signature cocktails fueled by a donation from Tito’s Vodka. Guests also enjoyed fine wines from Tumwater’s collection, and a gourmet meal from Vibrant Table.
Sharing the Sackcloth & Ashes story
2024 Gala model
GaSandra Carlsen
Volunteer Model
Volunteer Model
Along with fabulous trips and experiences, the live auction offered a meaningful opportunity for supporters to help people living outdoors. Salem based Sackcloth and Ashes creates beautiful Italian made blankets, and donates a blanket to shelter organizations for each one sold. Founder Bob Dalton told the Gala guests he began his company after his mother briefly became homeless, and introduced his mother in the audience. Dalton offered to donate five blankets for each $100 voucher sold the night of the Gala in celebration of the companies 20th anniversary.
Models draped in the blankets walked around the tent, and within seconds, a sea of bid numbers raised high in the air. In total, 360 vouchers were sold, which means 1800 blankets will be donated to local service providers. Auction Chair Sybil Fontaine says she is so touched by the response “It is amazing to see people dedicated to giving back with open hearts”.
Sybil Fontaine, Auction Chair, Neil Fernando Honorary ChairBrenda Ketah HBF Exec. Director
Guests learned more about the HBF’s work in the community with a video by the AV Department focusing on a recent remodel for Project Homeless Connect in Hillsboro. Hundreds of volunteers gave their time, and materials to bring an estimated $250,000 of value to remodel the aging bungalow. The building got a new roof, and a much-needed wheelchair ramp. Project Homeless Connect’s Executive Director Kim Marshall told the audience “It’s amazing when you see your community come together…homelessness affects all of us. Why not work together?”
Bidding
Supporters Step Up!
After the video was shown, inspired supporters donated nearly $200,000 during the paddle raise. HBF’s Fund Development manager Kyle Ellerbe says he is amazed by the sold -out event “The residential building community loves attending, but they show us a lot of love. At every one of our Galas, they open their wallets beyond my wildest dreams.”
The funds raised by the Gala are leveraged well by the Foundation. Each HBF project saves nonprofits an estimated 30-70% of typical building costs. More than 50 organizations and more than 40 projects are in use around Portland because of its impactful work.