Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County celebrated a record-breaking evening at its annual Build With Us fundraiser, raising more than $108,000 to support critical home repairs for local families. This success was made possible by individuals and businesses who want to directly support Habitat SLO’s Home Preservation/Aging in Place program, which aids local low-income homeowners, seniors, and veterans by fixing critical home repairs so that they can remain safe and independent in the homes they love.
Held at the scenic Edna Valley Ranch, the event brought together community leaders, business owners, volunteers, and supporters for an inspiring evening of generosity, storytelling, and impact. “This was an extraordinary night for Habitat SLO,” said Anthony Overton, CEO. “The level of generosity and energy in the room was incredible, even with the unexpected heavy rain. Every dollar raised represents a neighbor who can stay safely in their home. We are deeply grateful to this community.”
The evening was emceed by Neil Hebert, with Cody Dawson serving as auctioneer, bringing energy and enthusiasm to both the live and dessert auctions. Guests also heard powerful remarks from Board Chair Truitt Vance, who reflected on the organization’s momentum and the people behind its mission. “This organization is powered by people who care deeply and act boldly,” said Vance. “What’s happening at Habitat SLO is real and this community continues to show up in meaningful ways to be part of it.”
Monies raised from the auctions and Fund-the-Need paddle raise will fund essential repairs such as wheelchair ramps, roof repairs, weatherization, and accessibility upgrades. These improvements reduce fall risks, increase mobility, and allow residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes, to remain safely in their homes and communities.
A highlight of the evening was when Judy, a home preservation program recipient, shared her gratitude with the attendees. Prior to the event she said, “Habitat has been incredible and I am thankful beyond words. I am on a very limited fixed income and could not have made my home safer or restored the outside to stop the HOA violation notices without their help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors across San Luis Obispo County, including presenting sponsor Mechanics Bank, and Ashley & Vance Engineering, Avenue Twelve, Bracket Architecture, Central Coast Community Energy, Edward Jones – Emery Luper, Hamachai Design, The Harris Family, Hive Engineering, Hope Lutheran Church, Lucky Oak Laundry, PG&E, SESLOC Credit Union, T&S Structural, Two Knights Insurance Services, and Steve Urbani.
Bar sponsors were California Coast Beer Co., Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Friendly Wager Wines.
More than 100 businesses and community partners contributed wine and auction items, showcasing the incredible generosity and local pride that define San Luis Obispo County. Supporters included Absolution Cellars, Al Lago Wines, Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Alpha Omega Winery, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, American Barnwood, Andy’s Awesome Arcade, Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge, Athenaeum, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Austin Hope Winery, Back to Back Wines, Biddle Ranch Vineyard, Board in SLO, Bobbi Thompson Officiant, Booker Vineyard, Boo Boo Records, Bradford Studio, Brecon Estate, Brent Keast, Buena Vista Winery, Cal Poly Arts, Calcareous Vineyard, Campos Landscaping, Capital Genealogy, Claret Family Vineyard, Claiborne & Churchill Winery, Clesi Wines, Côtes de Provence, Curran Wines, DAOU Vineyards, Dawn and Aaron Smith, Deno Paso Rouge, Derby Wine Estates, Didi Hakes, Dr. Rick Phillips, Chiropractor, Dr. Tina Carrarri, Eberle Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, El Lugar Wines, Écluse Wines & Thibido Winery, Epoch Estate Wines, Festival Mozaic, Finney’s Crafthouse, Flitterman Collection, LLC, Gary Marshall, General Store Paso Robles, George Pilling, Grey Wolf Cellars, Gymnazo, Halter Ranch Vineyard, Harmata Family Wines, Harmony Cellars, Idler’s Home, In Due Time Wines, J. Dusi Wines, Jada Vineyard & Winery, Jennifer Johnson Jewelry, Juliane Starks, JUSTIN, Vineyards & Winery, Just Baked, KSBY-TV, Kristin Inman, Kula Hawaiian Kitchen, Laguna Lake Golf Course, Le Cuvier Winery, Lincoln Street Deli, Lone Madrone Winery, Luna Red, Lynn’s Pies, Madonna Inn, McPrice Myers Wines, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Mr. Putters Miniature Golf, Niner Wine Estates, Noteworthy Sweets, Novo Restaurant & Lounge, ONX Wines, Painted Love by Kristiana, Papa Steve’s No Junk Raw Protein Bars, Paso Robles Wine Festival, Plateroti Aesthetics & Integrative Health, Presqu’ile Winery, Rancho Real Vineyard, Ridge Vineyards, Robin’s Restaurant, Rombauer Vineyards, Salon Envy, SLO Blues Baseball Club, SLO Children’s Museum, SLO Symphony, Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden, Serial Wines, Sextant Wines, Sixmilebridge Winery, Steven Ross Wine Cellars, Tablas Creek Vineyard, The AutoBahn, The Backyard on 13th, Truitt Vance, Truss Wines, Vici’s Jewelry, Vivant Fine Cheese, Wendy White’s Bakery and Work Family Ranch.
As Habitat SLO approaches its 30th anniversary, the organization is building momentum to expand its impact across the county, through new home construction and the home preservation program. “This record-breaking year is more than a milestone, it’s a signal of what’s possible,” said Overton. “To every sponsor, donor, bidder, volunteer, and guest who made Build With Us possible: thank you. You are not just supporting an organization. You are keeping a neighbor in their home, a senior in their community, and a family together. Habitat SLO is thankful beyond words.”
To learn more about Habitat SLO’s volunteer opportunities, or how to apply or support the Home Preservation Program, visit www.habitatslo.org.