The BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation held its 2018 Hearts in Housing Gala at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America on April 21. In its third year, the Gala continued to grow with more than 500 attendees showing up to support the work of the Foundation. Our attendees embraced the Foundation Derby theme and showed how much this industry cares about giving back to our communities.
The Foundation honored our 2017 build partners and award recipients
Three Hearts in Housing awards were given to companies and individuals who went above and beyond in their support of the Foundation.
“The recipients of our Hearts in Housing awards are those that have truly gone above and beyond to help our foundation complete it mission to provide safe, quality, affordable housing for those in need,” explained BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation manager, Bob Bennett. “We are so fortunate to work in an industry filled with generous members that are willing to offer their talents and resources.”
This year’s Hearts in Housing award recipients were:
- Tim Hassett of Felhaber Larson
- Lennar
- Lyman Companies
“To give back to the community is a huge thing,” said John Zirbes, Lyman Companies. “It makes us feel good about being in the industry.”
Our five 2017 build partners were also recognized for their significant contributions to projects in 2017.
These companies are integral to how the Foundation works by stepping forward to serve as the general contractor on Foundation building projects. Our five build partners of 2017 are:
- Ispiri, LLC
- Minnesota Design & Construction, Inc.
- Contract Interiors, Inc.
- Minnesota Rusco, Inc.
- Lennar
“It’s just an honor to work with our veterans. It’s an honor to build homes for people that need them,” said Andrew Hartmann, Lennar.
Watch our 2017 recap video to learn more about their projects:
Our generous supporters contributed to our cause
This year, we raised more than $200,000 from our generous supporters. The silent auction had more than 115 items that were generously donated by community members. There were sports tickets, chef experiences, kitchen gadgets, golf packages and so much more!
This year’s live auction featured six incredible items including:
- Hamilton Package in Chicago donated by Contract Interiors and Shaughnessy Flooring
- Cambria Countertop Package donated by Cambria
- One Week Cabin Vacation at Fishtrap Lake donated by Katie Harms
- Closet of Your Dreams donated by Twin Cities Closet Company
- Sony 85″ 4k TV donated by In-Focus Systems
- Minnesota Sports Package donated by Priority Courier and Minnesota Rusco
One of the highlights of the evening? Emcee Chris Contreras’ Hamilton rap that kicked off the live auction! Bummed you missed it? Don’t worry! You can watch it here:
And at the end of the evening the Gala attendees showed the truly care about giving back to our communities by donating more than $50,000 to support future projects. We can’t say thank you enough!
… And we had a blast!
Last but not least, it was a night of food, fun and derby fashion!
The photo booth was the perfect place to show off that fabulous derby fashion. View all photo booth pictures >>
Attendees danced the night away to the sounds of High & Mighty, a high-energy R&B, Pop, Funk and Soul dance band.
And the company just couldn’t be beat. The Hearts in Housing Gala was filled with positive energy as the industry came together to make a huge impact on the lives of those in need.
“What an excellent opportunity to be with people who care so much and have so much generosity,” said Neal Loidolt, president and CEO of MACV.
“To be recognized is one thing, but the people that support it—being with them and spending time with them—it’s really incredible,” added Zirbes.
Thank you to all for your incredible generosity and for making this night possible.
Save the date for next year’s Gala: April 27, 2019.
Preview photos from the night of the Gala (more to come!) >>
