Jessica Hudson, development director for Habitat for Humanity won't be needing her dress for their fundraiser called the No Show Gala since you only give money to build a house but you don't get to go anywhere or do anything. They already have the foundation built for the house in the background on North Hills Drive, North Charleston, but need to raise money to complete it.
The event is set for Aug. 8 -- 8/8/08 -- because the date is easy to remember. But it doesn't matter too much because participants don't have to be there anyway.
Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam counties is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Christian housing ministry builds houses for qualified buyers at cost, with no interest on the loan. Homeowners contribute "sweat equity" hours by working on homes for themselves and others. Building funds as well as labor are donated.
During its two decades of existence, 120 homes have been built and three are in the works, said Jessica Hudson, development director.
Various ideas have been batted around to raise building money in honor of the 20th anniversary, she said.
"There was talk of a black tie and tool belt gala," said Hudson, who figured the effort and cost of such an event would be tremendous for such a frugal organization.
Renting a venue, hiring a band, and catering dinner could run into literally thousands of dollars that could otherwise be spent on a Habitat house, she figured. So, why not cut all costs and just ask for donations? That also means the entire contribution is tax deductible instead of just a portion of it, she said.
"I figured a No Show Gala would be the perfect way to involve the community in something really fun," she said. "We want to be the organization that makes the best use of people's money. We want to be good financial stewards."
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- You don't have to dress up or go anywhere to participate in the Habitat No Show Gala.
The event is set for Aug. 8 -- 8/8/08 -- because the date is easy to remember. But it doesn't matter too much because participants don't have to be there anyway.
Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam counties is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Christian housing ministry builds houses for qualified buyers at cost, with no interest on the loan. Homeowners contribute "sweat equity" hours by working on homes for themselves and others. Building funds as well as labor are donated.
During its two decades of existence, 120 homes have been built and three are in the works, said Jessica Hudson, development director.
Various ideas have been batted around to raise building money in honor of the 20th anniversary, she said.
"There was talk of a black tie and tool belt gala," said Hudson, who figured the effort and cost of such an event would be tremendous for such a frugal organization.
Renting a venue, hiring a band, and catering dinner could run into literally thousands of dollars that could otherwise be spent on a Habitat house, she figured. So, why not cut all costs and just ask for donations? That also means the entire contribution is tax deductible instead of just a portion of it, she said.
"I figured a No Show Gala would be the perfect way to involve the community in something really fun," she said. "We want to be the organization that makes the best use of people's money. We want to be good financial stewards."
She figures folks can help Habitat, have a good tax deduction, and then spend the evening at home with their families.
"Habitat prides itself in thinking outside the box," she said.
Organizers are hoping the campaign will raise $50,000, the typical cost of building a house for one Habitat family.
Invitations designed by artist Charles Jupiter Hamilton will go out this week to 2,000 people on a Habitat mailing list. The Web site www.no-show.org was designed by Dream Catcher and has more information on the event.
Contributors may select excuses from the Web site for not attending the event or create their own excuses as they donate to the cause.
Donations may be made online or sent to the Habitat office at P.O. Box 70160, Charleston, W.Va. 25301. The telephone number is (304) 720-0141.
