Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity to Host 35th Anniversary Building Hope Gala

Friday, September 25, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge
50 Stirling Road, Warren, NJ 07059

WARREN, NJ, June 1, 2026 — Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce the return of its signature annual fundraising event, the 2026 Building Hope Gala, celebrating the organization's 35th Anniversary on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey.

The evening will bring together more than 200 business leaders, community partners, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate 35 years of building homes, communities, and hope for families throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.

Guests will enjoy cocktails and a gourmet dinner, dance the night away with Spinners Entertainment, bid on exciting raffle and auction packages, and be inspired by stories that demonstrate the life-changing impact of affordable housing. The event's theme, "Let's Open the Door," reflects Habitat's mission to create opportunities for strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership and home preservation programs.

The gala will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with cocktails beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the evening program at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds support Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity's construction, repair, financial education, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, helping ensure that more families in our community have access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

"Thirty-five years ago, our founders believed that a decent home could change a family's future. This gala is our annual reminder that the community believes that too," said Jessica Abbott, Executive Director of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity. "Every sponsor, every ticket, every auction bid helps open a door for a family in Somerset or Hunterdon County. Together, we're creating opportunities for families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing."

A Year of Ambitious Impact

Funds raised through the Building Hope Gala will support one of the organization's most ambitious years of programming to date, including:

• New home construction projects in Franklin Township and Lambertville, partnering with up to 14 families
• Homeowner dedication celebrations for the completed James Street duplex in Whitehouse Station
• Renovation of an existing Habitat home in Franklin Township for a new partner family
• More than 60 critical home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans, and vulnerable homeowners
• More than 10 Neighborhood Revitalization projects throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties
• Financial education and homeownership preparation through the Almost Home program
• Veteran-focused initiatives that serve and honor local veterans and their families

For 35 years, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity has worked alongside families, volunteers, donors, and community partners to build homes, communities, and hope. As the organization celebrates this milestone anniversary, the Building Hope Gala invites supporters to help "Open the Door" to strength, stability, and self-reliance for even more families in the years ahead.

Sponsorship and Ticket Information

Corporate and organizational sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,500 to $25,000, offering benefits that include event tickets, logo recognition across print and digital marketing materials, event signage, and volunteer build day opportunities at active construction sites for select sponsorship levels.

Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle or auction item are encouraged to contact Jeff Cromie, Resource Development Manager, at jcromie@rvhabitat.org or visit www.rvhabitat.org/BuildingHope.

Individual tickets are available for $250 per person, and tables of ten may be reserved for $2,250. Tickets and additional event information can be found at www.rvhabitat.org/BuildingHope.

About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity has been building homes, communities, and hope since 1991. Somerset and Hunterdon County families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

To support the New Homeowner, Repair, Almost Home, and Neighborhood Revitalization programs by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals and groups who would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer. To shop, donate, or volunteer at our ReStore, visit rvhabitatrestore.org.

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID #22-3126027.

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