More than 100 golfers teed off July 14 at Forest Creek Golf Club in support of Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills, raising over $70,000 to help fund a new home for a local family in Addor.
Now in its fourth year, the “Drive It Home” golf tournament was hosted this year by the nonprofit’s Women Build committee. According to Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills, the sold-out event welcomed 140 guests and included range balls, cart and greens fees, a continental breakfast, lunch, and an awards ceremony. Proceeds from the fundraiser are going toward building a home for Vearion Pullins, who has partnered with Habitat to achieve homeownership.
Vearion, a mother of two daughters, Destiny and Zanarriah, works at Quail Haven Retirement Village and has been involved with Habitat for nearly a year. She is nearing completion of her required sweat equity hours, which include construction work and 12 homeownership education classes. Habitat describes her as “passionate about helping older adults and loves cooking for others.”
Vearion Pullins and her two daughters.
The home will be constructed in Addor and sold with a guaranteed affordable mortgage. Habitat expects to raise the walls in September and is inviting community members to volunteer on the project. “Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience,” explains Habitat on the Sandhills chapter’s website. “Site supervisors will be present to guide you through every task.”
The recent tournament featured special remarks from Habitat General Contractor Farrah Newman and Jennie Cunningham.
“There was an undeniable energy in the room as 140 guests of all ages listened to the journeys of Jennie Cunningham and Habitat’s General Contractor, Farrah Newman,” writes Habitat on their Facebook page. “Both women have charted their path in traditionally male-dominated fields and encouraged us all never to stop dreaming of the next great adventure.”
Women Build is a national initiative designed to empower women to address the housing crisis in their own communities. In the Sandhills region, the program emphasizes skill-building and teamwork while involving participants in all aspects of construction, fundraising, and outreach.
“Our goal with Women Build is to empower women to help families build strength, stability, and independence,” states the mission on Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills’ website. “Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message.”
A handful of the participants of the “Drive it Home” golf tournament who contributed to the collective $70,000 raised.
The local Women Build Committee engages volunteers of all skill levels in the planning, fundraising, and building of safe, affordable homes. Participants gain construction knowledge and confidence while working with crew leaders, tradeswomen, committee members, and fellow volunteers.
“The power and strength of women are amplified when we join together in a common cause and are inspired to go beyond our comfort zones,” the organization’s website states.
This year’s tournament marks a strong start to the Pullins family’s journey to homeownership and continues Habitat’s mission of creating opportunities for local families through safe and stable housing. Volunteers are encouraged to gather friends, co-workers, or neighbors to help on the build site this fall.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.sandhillshabitat.org.
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~ Article written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Photos courtesy Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills.
