A LOCAL ORGANIZATION, Bedford Builds for Habitat for Humanity, works year-round to help those in need in Bedford County. Their tireless efforts never cease, and they always look for ways to help the community. Recently, staff, volunteers, and others special to the organization enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, and more for the 25th Annual Bedford Builds for Habitat for Humanity Ball.
According to Executive Director Pam Birtcil, the annual fundraiser is their largest one of the year and helps them fund the building of about half of a house.
Held in Bell Buckle, guests showed up dressed in their finest. They enjoyed dinner from the Bell Buckle Café, a silent and live auction, and dancing. The Nashville Alternators provided music.
There were many exciting items for patrons to bid on in the silent auction. Among those items were signed guitars from Dolly Parton and American Idol runner-up Hunter Girl, jewelry from Heritage Jewelers, and a tray of pies from the famous Nancy “Mama Phillips” at the Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor in Bell Buckle.
Other auction items included a flight on the DC3, a grill from Badcock Furniture, night stays at a Bell Buckle bed and breakfast, and a vase made by Scott Wieland.
Kristin Tomlin, a recent recipient of a home built by Habitat, was the evening guest speaker. She spoke about the organization’s amazing impact on her life.
According to Shontelli Head, who works as a Bedford Builds for Habitat for Humanity store manager, the event is special to everyone who attends. Head said the preparation begins months in advance, with every detail carefully planned. She considers the event a special “thank you” to all those involved with Habitat.
“For me, it is a ‘thank you’ to the people who donate and sponsor us,” she said. “We are showing them all the love we have for them. I believe this is my third year attending, and I love meeting new people and just having fun. It’s that one day a year that you can just let your hair down and have a beautiful and meaningful evening with old and new friends.”
Head, who has been with the organization for four years, is a recipient of a Habitat home. She said she is thankful for what the organization has done for her and is continuously inspired by other Habitat recipients, such as Tomlin.
“I’m so thankful for the organization and all that they do for the community,” she said. “They are beneficial to everyone they reach, especially the ones who are recipients of the homes. I’ve been in my home for four years. There were a lot of struggles and emotions to get to this point, but they were there to help me and walk with me. Now I smile every day, knowing that not only have I been helped, but I am a part of an organization that continues to help. It’s a blessing.” GN
