More than 400 people attended HomeAid Northern Virginia’s 11th Annual “Beach Blast” Gala & Auction on November 3, raising a whopping $167,500 through ticket sales, sponsorships, the silent and live auction, and the paddle challenge.

With a relaxed beach theme and plenty of successes to highlight, the night was a celebratory mix of achievement, networking and reconnecting with old friends, raising money for a great cause, and offering up several standing ovations for the industry’s brightest.

HomeAid Northern Virginia also presented the prestigious annual Presidents’ Circle Awards, with the Presidents’ Award going to Cecilia Hodges, group manager, commercial real estate and lending, M&T Bank. MidSouth Building Supply took home the 2012 Trade Partner of the Year Award, and the Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) was awarded the Non-Profit Care Provider Project of the Year Award.

“Great fun was had by all attending The Beach Blast!,” said Michael Scheurer, HomeAid Northern Virginia’s board president. “The brightly decorated room was matched by the astounding generosity of attendees, and HomeAid pledges to use every dollar efficiently to meet the needs of the homeless in Northern Virginia.  Special congratulations to all award winners.”