Habitat for Humanity South Collin County
2009 Samsung Gala and Casino Night
Brit Mott

Lively casino games and unique auction items highlighted Habitat for Humanity South Collin County’s annual gala on Saturday, March 7 at the Radisson Hotel in Richardson. Doug and Karen Boyd, honorary co-chairs, teamed up with Ocean Reef to offer a three-night getaway to Florida. The getaway included two days aboard a Cabo 40 Express yacht, an 18-hole round of golf at Ocean Reef Club, and two round-trip American Airlines tickets. The package was such a good deal, it was purchased by the gala’s auctioneer, Craig Meie.

Samsung, title sponsor of the event, donated a 50" plasma HDTV. Also featured were a hot air balloon ride on the “peacock’ flown by Plano’s own Randy Wright, a three-night stay at The Lanesborough in London, purchased by Gayne and Jo Ek, and a 14K white gold emerald star diamond ring purchased by Ralf and Lori Cotto. Karen Johnston and Aloha Jackson coordinated the live and silent auctions.

“The gala was a great success! We have dedicated, passionate people who lead this event,” said Habitat executive director Dick Taylor. He added, “The gala provides the ministry with funds which support all that we do, from selecting and nurturing our families to providing infrastructure support for our builds and land procurement.”

The gala brought in $125,000 that will help Habitat meet its goal of building 10 homes in 2009. Since 1997, Habitat has built 43 homes. The nonprofit organization emphasizes that homes aren’t given away; homeowners put in 400 hours of “sweat equity,” and mortgage, including taxes and insurance, is usually $425 a month.

The gala supports Habitat’s mission in many ways. Taylor said, “The gala increases awareness of the ministry’s mission ... . It has increased our visibility with the cities of Plano, Wylie, and Allen significantly.”

It also gives Habitat the opportunity to recognize sponsors and volunteers: Samsung, title sponsor; Estech Systems, Inc., “general contractor”; Universal Conversion Technologies, “developer”; Cliff and Deborah Risman/Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP, and Jerry and Becky Kolesiak, “builders”; and Aimbridge Hospitality, Phil Barnett, Gayne and Jo Ek, Plano Early Lions Club, and CitiBank, “carpenters”. Casino table sponsors were Phil Barnett, Ron and Lisa Barrentine, and Robbi Dietrich. For more information, visit habitat-scc.org.

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