Energetic, joyful, enthusiastic, diligent, compassionate: These are just a few of the adjectives friends use to describe Habitat Board Member and Fundraising Chair Barbara Anderson. And they all fit. Habitat Rabun is grateful for Barbara's leadership and optimism. She has led our major campaign this year, Raise the Roof for Habitat. As you can imagine, fundraising during an almost yearlong pandemic is not for the faint of heart.
"My challenge in 2020 is to build a home for Allison and Daniel despite COVID-19," said Barbara, "Habitat needs more money for our build this year and to improve our land on Hope Drive. We have had amazing fundraising in the past; we just needed to build on that legacy due to higher expenses and a pandemic."
And while this year has certainly been a learning experience, Barbara said, "God has blessed us with more donations than I ever dreamed possible! This board has such a heart for this build, and I consider it an honor to work beside them."
Barbara points to several impressive statistics as proof that her persistence and a new approach are paying off, "We have raised almost $46,000 since April! The building crew is ahead of schedule on the home. We are now using better technology in our fundraising and on our website."
Raise the Roof's campaign goal is $100,000. To help meet that goal, Barbara has gathered an impressive array of auction items currently being offered via an online auction site. "If you are not bidding, you are missing out on blessings for this build and unique finds for yourself," said Barbara.
Here is just a small sampling of what you can find:
1963 Arcangeli Super Jolly--a rare Italian wood boat, it is estimated that there are only
80 in Europe and only 1 in the US
GTC Bentley 2010 Series 51 Convertible--only 45,000 miles, has been kept in a climate-controlled garage (available September 1)
7 Day Run Wild African Safari--once in a lifetime African Safari for two
Golf Packages--At local resorts such as Sky Valley, Waterfall, and Old Edwards
Fly Fishing Expeditions
Ziplining Adventure for four
One of a kind pieces of pottery and art
UGA Package featuring signed football and a metal statue of UGA, plus Chick-fil-A platters!
Services--An estate planning package, one free tire rotation, and balance, etc.
Plus, beautiful furniture, antiques, jewelry, and many one of a kind items.
It is easy to view and bid the auction items. You can visit habitatrabun.com and click the "Raise the Roof" button, then the "Auction" button, or text RAISEROOF to 41444. Many items have a "Buy It Now" price option for those who don't want to wait. The auction will close on Monday, September 14, at 9 p.m.
One of the reasons Barbara had given so many hours to Habitat's Raise the Roof is her belief that we are making a huge impact here in Rabun County. "The cost of housing is going up, not down! Affordable housing for our community is more important than we realize. We help recipients manage their money and have appropriate housing."
This belief drives her, and when Raise the Roof ends on September 14, Barbara won't be done. "I hope we can finish this home build ahead of schedule. And then, my hope is to see Habitat Rabun be debt-free!"
As we all know, you just can't stop the Energizer Bunny!
Editor's Note:
Barbara joined the Habitat Rabun Board in 2019 because after being asked by a former board member to become involved. Her husband, Jack, is a faithful member of the volunteer build crew. You'll often find her other family members involved as well! Barbara and Jack reside in Sky Valley.
As we went to press, Governor Brian Kemp extended his order limiting events to 50 people, so our Raise the Roof Gala has gone virtual! Details are being released to sponsors now about how Barbara has planned this exciting evening (in record time!). Everyone can still participate in the online auction to support Allison and Daniel's new home.