Joe StephensAnyone looking for an opportunity to have fun, find some amazing décor for their homes, and make a difference for a worthy cause, need look no further than Vienna this weekend, when the fifth annual Destination Design takes place. This gala event is the central fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
The festivities will take place this Friday, April 7, beginning at 5:30pm at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna. According to Lisa Collins of Habitat, this is, “a unique auction experience benefitting Habitat for Humanity MOV.” It will feature items for the home, in what Collins called “vignette” settings. Everything that is up for bid is donated. In fact, all expenses have been covered by generous sponsors, so that every penny of the proceeds will go directly to building houses around the MOV. Collins says that the goal for the night is to clear $25,000.
Destination Design began five years ago when Habitat was looking for what Collins called “a signature fundraiser that would reflect our mission of home. This incorporated that mission, with the auction flavor that seems to be successful in our area.” That first program was so successful that it’s become an annual event, with the proceeds growing every year.
Folks who are interested in bidding will find a wide array of choices, including furniture, appliances, home décor, construction materials, and even destination/travel packages. The evening will consist of a live auction, a silent auction, and Smoke Pointe Barbeque for dinner. Tickets are available by dialing 304-422-7907 or by going to habitatmov.com.
For those of you who are not familiar with the amazing work of Habitat for Humanity MOV, it is a program that provides affordable housing for individuals and families that may not be able to achieve home ownership through traditional means. “Habitat for Humanity provides a hand up, not a hand out,” said Collins. “Homebuyers have to demonstrate they are in substandard housing; meet a minimum income requirement, prove their ability to make a monthly house payment, and their credit worthiness.” Once they meet these requirements and they are selected to receive a house, they pay for it through an interest-free mortgage from Habitat as well as what Habitat calls “sweat equity.” All home recipients are required to put in hours of work on their house as well as other Habitat homes.
While this event is the centerpiece fundraiser for the organization, there are lots of other ways anyone can benefit Habitat. Monetary donations are always welcome, as are practically any saleable home, appliance, or construction item that could be sold at ReStore, Habitat’s shop on 16th Street in Vienna. If you have an item to donate, you can drop it by. They even have a covered loading dock, so don’t let a rainy day stop you. Alternatively, you can call 304-HABITAT to arrange pickup of larger items.
And one last way you can always help Habitat is through your time and energy. There is practically always at least one house under construction—often more than one—and help of all sorts is needed on a weekly basis. Don’t worry if you have no construction skill or experience. Many jobs require only willing hands and strong backs. And you may even get a chance to learn some DIY skills while you’re benefiting a wonderful cause. To learn about volunteer opportunities, go to habitatmov.com.