Women Build honors partners in rebuilding

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Women Build, an arm of Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, will honor partnerships that made a difference after superstorm Sandy.

These ties will be honored at the 2015 “From the Glamour to the Hammer” luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 7 at Branches in West Long Branch.

Habitat for Humanity spokeswoman Jennifer Sneed said the luncheon was established in 2014 as a special event designed “to raise awareness as to the difference that women can make in helping to build homes, communities and hope.” Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County President Nancy Doran said that after superstorm Sandy, the organization went from an all-volunteer staff to a grantfunded operation to meet the needs of the county.

“Over 90 families have been helped since Sandy. We have had a tremendous impact on homeowners in Monmouth County,” Doran said. She added that the organization is “still getting phone calls from people who need our help.”

The organization provided critical repairs to most homes and built five new ones since Sandy, Doran said. Doran, who has been with Habitat for Humanity since 2000, meets with all families and listens to their stories. She describes “helping people through difficult times” as an “awesome” experience.

The honorees are determined from a wide range of leading sponsors, volunteers and partners whose actions and financial support have contributed significantly to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes and communities, and restoring hope for low- and moderate-income homeowners in Monmouth County, according to Sneed.

Four honorees will be recognized in 2015.

JPMorgan Chase Co. will receive the Corporate Citizen Award in recognition of the financial support that the firm has provided to communities trying to rebuild since Sandy.

The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, chaired by first lady Mary Pat Christie, will receive the Partners in Disaster Recovery Award in recognition of its financial support of construction and staffing costs associated with the chapter’s Critical Home Repair program.

The Salvation Army of Red Bank will receive the Community Partner Award for providing volunteer service to Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County.

Sheryl Powers will receive the individual From the Glamour to the Hammer Award for volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County since 1998.

An auction that highlights local designers will also take place at the luncheon, with proceeds benefiting Sandy recovery efforts and affordable housing in the service area of Habitat for Humanity of Monmouth County.

For the auction, four designers each chose a piece of furniture to be refurbished from ReStore, Freehold. With a budget of $150, Room in Our Hearts of Middletown; Paint Passion of Red Bank; Ridiculous Redhead Design of Middletown; and Nancyanne Miklos of Ocean Grove have set out to bring new life to each piece.

Katharine Koehler, executive director of Room in Our Hearts — an organization that redesigns one room in the homes of people affected by crisis — refinished a lingerie chest, giving it a French flair. She said that choosing a piece is based on “how it moves you.”

Paint Passion owner Patty Seaman said she is thrilled to participate in the event. Choosing a small dresser that she said had “nice bones but needed a little something,” Seaman added details to give it a European finish.

Ridiculous Redhead owner Kelly Reynolds became involved with this year’s Women Build through a networking group and is working on three pieces: a desk, rocking chair and dresser.

Nancyanne Miklos, an Ocean Grove interior designer, said Habitat for Humanity is “an amazing organization with what they accomplish through volunteerism.” She used her $150 budget on a coffee table and a couple of end tables.

“I know that all of the money and energy is put to a good cause,” Miklos said.

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