Habitat for Humanity Gala Honors Volunteers, Raises Funds

Habitat for Humanity - Carroll County celebrated another successful year during its annual Gala held at the Carroll County Civic Center on November 13. The event was themed “Denim and Diamonds.”

The event is the annual fundraising event that helps fund the construction of modestly priced homes, built with volunteer labor and many donations of time, supplies, and love. The event raised approximately $30,000.

Event sponsors included: Baptist Memorial Hospital of Carroll County, Carroll Bank and Trust, Centennial Bank, Peppers Ford of McKenzie, Watson Lumber Company, One anonymous donor.

Friends of Habitat for Humanity Sponsors:
-The Buttrey Wedding and Event Venue

-Huntingdon Animal Clinic

-Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church Adult Student School Class

-Huntingdon Termite and Pest Control

-Drs. Krista and Brock Martin

-Gratitude was extended to the Habitat board of directors, the fundraising committee, and all volunteers who worked on houses, prepared food, or helped at the yard sale and home store.

Event Support:
-Hometown Hangout of McKenzie catered the meal.

-Volunteer servers included the Bethel University softball team and students from Clarksburg, Huntingdon, and McKenzie high schools.

-Paula Atkins was specially thanked for her tireless efforts in bringing Habitat to Carroll County.

Update on Next Habitat Build:
-A new two-bedroom house is planned for construction in McKenzie.

-The project is pending the recruitment of a construction manager; this role can be filled by one person or a team.

-Volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, are needed for the project.

Volunteer of the Year Award:
-The 2025 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Michael and Rhonda Walsh.

-Michael Walsh was recognized for his extensive contributions since his retirement, including drywall, painting, door installation, and building porches.

-Rhonda Walsh was praised as the hardest-working board member, contributing to both house builds and the store.

-The final part of the event was a live auction.

-The auctioneer is Ryan McDaniel.