More than 300 guests turned up for Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East’s first annual Hard Hat & Black Tie Dinner and Auction, which took place Friday, October 21, at the Governor Hotel. The evening’s theme was "the Swinging 30s" so named in honor of Habitat Portland’s 30th anniversary. By all accounts the soiree was a great success, bringing the community’s best together to celebrate the anniversary and to raise money to build more homes in our area.

Thanks to donations and a highly competitive auction, the fundraising goal for the evening was surpassed, with more than $207,000 drummed up for Habitat programs and services! The event was also part of a capital campaign effort to raise $12 million to increase Habitat’s homebuilding capacity by 50 percent. Some of the sought-after auction items included trips to Cabo, Ireland, and Palm Springs, as well as a Portland Trail Blazer suite party for 16 with a special appearance by former Blazer great Jerome Kersey, who was in attendance to introduce that particular item. A live jazz dance band added to the ’30s theme and Full Sail Brewing and local wineries provided the guests with delicious tastings.