On Thursday, September 9, 2010, HomeAid hosted the First Annual Builders & Friends BBQ at the Dranesville Tavern in Herndon, Virginia. More than 125 homebuilders and their trade partners attended the event, which raised $15,000 in support of building and renovating homeless and transitional housing in the community. 

“The event was successful for HomeAid on many fronts,” said Christy Eaton, HomeAid Northern Virginia Executive Director.  “We were able to raise awareness about HomeAid among the homebuilding community – there were several people who hadn’t yet heard about us and what we do. We were also able to create enthusiasm around our work and raise much needed funds in support of our work. Plus, everyone had a great time and ate some delicious BBQ!”

“The HomeAid Board decided to host the Builders & Friends BBQ as a way to raise awareness about HomeAid,” said John Monacci, Sr. Vice President for Winchester Homes and President-Elect, HomeAid Northern Virginia Board of Directors. “There are still people in our business who don’t know a lot about HomeAid — who we are, what we are doing and how they can get involved. Our Builder Captains do a great job of introducing their trade partners to us when they are working on a project, but we wanted to cast a wider net and introduce ourselves to trade partners and others in the building industry. We thought a casual, fun event would be a great way to do that. “

Thank you to the sponsors of the 1st Annual 2010 Builders & Friends BBQ.  Click here for a full list of our sponsors.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event. “Because of the overwhelming success of the event, we look to make it even more special in 2011,” said Monacci. “We’d like to include the Builders & Friends BBQ in the celebration of HomeAid’s 10th anniversary.” Stay tuned for more details!