Members of the Moorings community closed out their 28th annual Habitat Classic to benefit Indian River Habitat for Humanity with a celebratory Gala at the Moorings Yacht & Country Club.
The evening was the culmination of fundraising events that included golf, putt-putt, tennis, pickleball, croquet, bridge, Mahjongg and, new this year, canasta tournaments.
Guests gathered over cocktails and perused a large selection of silent-auction items before feasting on an incredible, multi-stationed buffet, and later bid on some must-have live-auction items.
“This is the 28th year of Habitat for the Moorings, and each year it gets bigger and bigger, and more successful,” said Mark Parent, chair of the Habitat Classic.
Parent credited its success to the hundreds of volunteers, Moorings staff, donors and sponsors who made it all possible.
Trevor Loomis, Indian River Habitat CEO, echoed his appreciation for all the hard work that brought it to fruition.
“It is a privilege to be here, as always. This year, just like every year, I continue to be blown away by this event and by the incredible generosity of this community. It is a monumental task, and it does not go unnoticed, so thank you,” said Loomis, before also recognizing his “amazing” Habitat staff.
Loomis described the Moorings partnership as a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.
“The success of our relationship goes back 28 years, hundreds of homes, touching more lives than we can even count. At Habitat for Humanity, we don’t just build houses, we build stability, opportunity and hope. And you all have been an integral part of that,” said Loomis.
Calling the housing crisis here as bad as it is nationwide, he said some 60 percent of residents spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent or housing.
Loomis said that owning a safe, affordable home is the foundation for everything else, building consistency and turning month-to-month survival into the ability to plan for the future. He stressed that every dollar contributed is an investment that pays off for decades, providing brighter futures, better health, financial security, and a lifetime of priceless family moments.
“A home becomes more than just a place to live. It becomes a launchpad for a better future,” said Loomis.
In addition to building 107 homes, he said, the Moorings has contributed to the Habitat Home Repair program, which allows people to age in place in their own homes, safely and gracefully, and they have provided numerous scholarships to homeowners and their children.
In a brief video, Sarah, a Moorings Habitat homeowner, said she was introduced to Habitat after coming from a rough situation with the father of their three daughters.
“I remember on the very first day at the job site, my social anxiety was through the roof, and I was so afraid to do anything. I had never really touched a tool before. The level of support that you get from your team, it definitely builds up your confidence,” said Sarah.
“It just is the biggest blessing that I could ever receive. And I just want to thank everybody for showing up. And for those of you who are waiting to pick your lot or raise your walls, just don’t give up. It’s going to happen. And then you’ll be soon in your home making memories for life.”
For more information, visit IRCHabitat.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
