Dressed in comfy western wear, around 250 folks moseyed over to the Sun Aviation Hangar last Saturday night, putting their best boots forward at the 12th annual Habitat Hoedown to benefit Indian River Habitat for Humanity.
Perennial event chair Dave Taylor has the job down to a science, having guided a talented crew of volunteers and staff almost every year since its inception.
“This is my 10th year as the chairman,” said Taylor, quick to credit others for doing their part. “I have a full committee – I call them my captains – and they all take their own responsibility. The best part is right now, when I get to relax. I really like watching this day happen; going from an empty hangar to a full one, watching it fill up with people. And then we take it all down tonight so they can bring the planes back in.”
Many current and future Habitat homeowners assisted at the event, helping with the set-up earlier in the day, passing hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour, clearing away plates after dinner, and thanking guests for their part in helping to fulfil their dreams.
“It’s a way for them to earn sweat equity,” said Eve Kyomya, who came on board in November as Habitat’s new development director. “What I want people to know about Habitat is that it’s a program that works; for 40 years around the world, 25 here in Indian River County. We give hardworking families the hand up, not hand out, that they need to build stability and strength for their families. Many times there’s a misunderstanding about that, but these homeowners make a commitment; they work.”
As some guests perused the numerous silent-auction items and raffle items displayed on a long table in the center of the hangar, others tested their mettle at various games crafted by the committee, including a wine toss, hillbilly golf, ’gator shoot, and a new bull horn hat-toss challenge.
The bull’s head, a furry beast with sharp PVC pipe horns, and the guns for the shooting gallery, a PVC and two-by-four concoction that used ping-pong balls for ammo, were all creatively crafted by committee member Rick Hahn, and as the evening wore on drew cheering crowds.
“Take a moment if you would and just envision a community with everyone having a decent, affordable home. Just imagine that,” said Connie Poppel, IRHH board chair during a brief presentation before dinner. “Well, that’s the vision Indian River Habitat for Humanity has for our community. We help people, our partners, achieve the dream of homeownership. Our homeowners are working hard to achieve that dream for themselves, because they do work hard. We do not give our homes away. They spend hours and hours before they can even choose their own lot.”
The down-home country table décor featured rustic floral centerpieces and colorful bandannas, and guests enjoyed a mouth-watering BBQ buffet served up by Chive that featured pulled pork, white chicken chili and a trio of yummy sides followed by grilled banana bread and ice cream, before rounding out the evening dancing to the sounds of the Bobby Owen Band.