Cheers to Community at [Re]Building Spirits
Margaret Segee shares the story of her home and the impact of repairs she received from Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte at [Re]Building Spirits.
Eighty-seven staff and board members, corporate and community partner representatives, volunteers, homeowners, and interested supporters celebrated an evening of festive fun and community camaraderie at [Re]Building Spirits on Thursday, Nov. 30.
Hosted by Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte, the event took place at NoDa Brewing Company’s outdoor pavilion and featured several activities to raise holiday spirits and benefit neighbors who need a safe and healthy home during this challenging season.
More than $33,000 was raised through the event from sponsorships, donations, tickets, silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle to provide critical repairs and modifications for low-income homeowners in the Greater Charlotte area.
The event began at 5:30 p.m., and attendees arrived in an array of colorful, quirky, and creatively crafted ugly holiday sweaters. They received one drink ticket to use at NoDa and the opportunity to participate in the 50/50 raffle and a silent auction of items from organizations like the Whitewater Center, Carolina Panthers Memorabilia, Intown Golf Club, and more. Those who wished to participate in the gingerbread house making competition began bringing their visions to life. They also enjoyed hors d’oeuvres donated by the Community Culinary School of Charlotte.
Midway through Rebuilding Sprits, Executive Director Beth Morrison addressed the crowd, thanking sponsors Lowe’s, McGuireWoods, and Novant Health. She also introduced Sean Reilly, regional vice president of store operations for Lowe’s.
“This is a wonderful time to join together and celebrate the holiday season,” said Reilly, who also serves RTGC as board chair, “and it’s especially important to celebrate the valuable and necessary work that Rebuilding Together does for many who need it here in Charlotte.”
Morrison then introduced Margaret Segee, a homeowner part of RTGC’s Building a Healthy Neighborhood program, who recently received roof, bathroom, kitchen, and other repairs and modifications from RTGC to provide her with a safe and healthy home.
“I now feel safe in my home. I don’t worry about falling or anything,” said Segee. “I’m very grateful for all the people who made this possible.”
Pointing toward her daughter Emily, Segee shared the long-lasting impact of RTGC’s critical home repair and accessibility modification projects.
“She’ll be the one who takes the house after me,” she said with a smile, “and she’s happy, too.”
All proceeds from the event benefitted RTGC’s four programs that serve homeowners like Segee in the Greater Charlotte area.
To conclude the event, winners were selected in the gingerbread house making and ugly sweater competitions, receiving Lowe’s gift cards for their victories. Certifications awarded for the gingerbread house making were: Most Creative, 2nd Place Bragging Rights, Candy Crush Award, and Most Gingerbread Code Violations. A winner and runner-up were selected in the ugly sweater competition by attendee applause after they walked down a cleared runway. Explore the album of photos from Rebuilding Spirits.
Support Neighbors in Need this Holiday Season
Behind every front door is a story of home and family. Home should be a safe and healthy place we can rely on. That is not the reality for many of our neighbors in the Greater Charlotte area.
Together we can have the greatest possible impact in our community. Working with community leaders, neighborhood residents, volunteers, skilled tradespeople, and our staff and board of directors, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need through home repairs.