Kansas PWB Council Fundraiser Supports Local Building Project, Workforce Development

The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council for the Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA) held its second annual Wine, Whiskey & Whimsy: Jockey for Juleps event in May, with a goal to raise $100,000 to benefit the Wichita Habitat for Humanity and to fund PWB education scholarships. The event exceeded expectations, with nearly $114,000 raised for Wichita Habitat for Humanity and more than $20,000 donated to the PWB Education Fund.

The mission of the Women Build program for the Wichita Habitat for Humanity is to empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. In addition to the fundraising event - which featured special tastings, a cigar table, games, a silent auction and more - the PWB council also volunteered in the home construction for the 2023 Women Build Homebuyer, Juliana.

Juliana applied to the Wichita Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program to be able to raise her son in a permanent home. To purchase this home on an affordable mortgage, Juliana completed 250 hours of sweat equity and completed 40 hours of financial literacy and home maintenance courses.

"I have been a refugee all my life," Juliana stated. "That is changing because of volunteers and donors who support Wichita Habitat for Humanity's affordable housing work."

A check was presented to the Women Build program at Wichita Habitat for Humanity during a dedication/key ceremony on Sept. 7.

"We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have worked alongside and supported Juliana on her special day, receiving the key to her new home," shared Micha Mohr and Bonnie Mason, who co-chaired the WABA PWB fundraising event. "We couldn't be more proud of our PWB Council, the Wichita Area Builders Association and Wichita Habitat for Humanity. It really was an all-encompassing group effort to surpass the original fundraising goal and give back to our community in such an impactful way."

NAHB is collecting details on HBA events such as this to create a program and events idea bank on nahb.org. HBA staff and council members can use this form to share details about their event.