Habitat for Humanity of Highland County is planning several fundraising events in the coming months, including a twilight dinner at the Lynchburg covered bridge and a Halloween dog parade, according to newly-installed executive director Elishia Breetz.
Breetz, a Lynchburg native who was recently hired as executive director, moved here from Washington, D.C. where she had previously worked in government before founding her own pet-sitting business. Breetz said she sold the business and moved to Wilmington with her husband and two dogs two years ago.
Breetz said she had already been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for some time when the job was offered to her.
According to Breetz, Habitat’s next home will be built on a lot in Lynchburg in 2018, and a large portion of proceeds from upcoming fundraisers will benefit the project.
Breetz said Habitat is seeking grant money and donations for renovation of Habitat’s “new to you” store on West Main Street in uptown Hillsboro, and she’s hopeful the space will hold a grand re-opening near the beginning of next year.
The store re-sells gently used or new home decor items, according to Breetz, mostly donated from Lowe’s and various vendors at home expo shows.
“We not only have the donation store for the whole community, but also for the home builders,” she said. “We select a family that’s in need — that would be a low-income family that meets certain criteria — and they help build the home themselves so they have a sense of ownership and pride in their house.”
In an effort to fund the next home, Breetz said organizers are currently planning a twilight dinner in Lynchburg, set to take place Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the covered bridge at Memory Lane and High Street.
The event will feature a sit-down dinner, a silent auction and live entertainment.
Tickets are $75. All the proceeds will go toward the 2018 construction project. Tickets are available for purchase at highlandhabitat.org.
According to Breetz, Habitat has been ramping up its social media presence by posting inventory on its Facebook page and holding monthly auctions.
“Once a month, we have an online auction where we auction off a large item,” she said. This weekend, the auction will feature a French door set with blind inserts and framing.
The auction will begin at noon Saturday and end Monday on Habitat for Humanity of Highland County’s Facebook page.
Breetz said Habitat volunteers will be participating in the upcoming Pregnancy Walk in Hillsboro on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. According to Breetz, information on donations and opportunities to get involved will be available at the walk.
Breetz said organizers are also planning a “Howl-o-ween” fundraiser parade for costumed dogs set for Oct. 22 in Hillsboro. The event is still in the early stages of planning, but tickets can be obtained by visiting highlandhabitat.org. Tickets cost $25.
Breetz said she’s looking forward to impacting the community in her new job.
“This is home town for me,” she said. “It’s a very special place… It just has such a warm feel. Hillsboro is so inviting.”
General donations to Habitat for Humanity of Highland County can be made online at highlandhabitat.org, or by calling 937-403-1257.
Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.
