Habitat for Humanity - New york City Events Advocate Donate Today

Gala

2006 Builder Awards Gala

Read press release.

2005 Builder Awards Gala

November 9 Gala Raises More Than $1 Million
Thanks to our generous supporters, Habitat for Humanity - New York City celebrated our most successful gala ever on November 9 — raising more than $1 million to help create more Habitat housing in New York City.

More than 600 guests saluted honorees at our 6th Annual Builder Awards Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Habitat-NYC honored Bloomberg and Peter Grauer, Chairman and President, as Corporate Partner of the Year; Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Richard Wong Faith in Action awardee; and the Swindell Family, Family Partner of the Year.

Designers, architects and home improvement specialists donated their expert services as part of a live auction led by Al Roker, weatherman for NBC's Today Show. During the gala, guests signed personal messages of support on two-by-four frames door frames destined for future Habitat homes.

Bloomberg was honored for its longtime support of Habitat homes and affordable housing in New York City. Peter Grauer, Chairman and President of the media corporation, accepted the award.

A powerful advocate for affordable housing and social justice, Bishop Sullivan led efforts to promote inclusionary zoning policies in New York City. As a result of his work, at least 8,500 new affordable homes will be built over the next decade.

After putting more than 300 hours of sweat equity into their new Habitat-NYC home in the Bronx, the Swindell family hammered the final nail, spackled the last wall and settled into their house in January. They are being honored for their hard work, dedication and determination to overcome personal challenges. Accepting the award were Vernon Swindell Sr., his wife Kim, and their daughter, Jasmyn.

Vernon Swindell Sr. told the audience: "For me, there are few things in life more satisfying than coming home to your family and to a home that is yours. Our old apartment was a place to lay your head. This is a place you look forward to going to. This is 'home.'"

"We always thought the American Dream of owning a home would be just that — a dream. But now, our dreams have come true," Kim Swindell said.


See photos from the 2005 Builder Awards Gala


Gala 2004 Results
See photos from the 2004 Gala

Habitat For Humanity
New York, 2006
Photography: Christine Whitney / Design + Development: Decker Design