Housatonic Habitat for Humanity to host Blueprints and Blue Jeans fall fundraiser

Last year, Housatonic Habitat for Humanity helped six local, deserving families to purchase their first home. This year, the organization hopes that their 2nd annual Blueprints & Blue Jeans Gala, taking place October 4 at the newly renovated Ridgefield Playhouse, will help even more families realize the dream of homeownership.

The committee behind the gala includes two well known North Salem residents: Paul Gileno, head chef for Hayfields Market, and Max Tucci, author, The Delmonico Way. Gileno and Tucci, along with Andrea Gartner from Habitat for Humanity, promise an evening of delicious food, creative cocktails, and good fun in the name of a worthy cause.

Several area businesses will also play a part in the event, including North Salem’s Hayfields Market and Amy’s Flowers, Brewster’s Uncle Cheef live music lounge and the Ridgefield Playhouse. Hayfields and Amy’s Flowers will provide the food and flowers. Tucci will serve as the gala’s guest auctioneer along with award-winning stand up comedian Christine O’Leary. Uncle Cheef will provide an auction item, a VIP experience for 10. The Ridgefield Playhouse will host the gala. Gartner says the Playhouse’s beautiful new lobby offers more than enough space to accommodate the expected 225 guests.

Gala attendees can look forward to dining on a menu custom-designed by Gileno. At a recent pre-gala tasting held at Hayfields, committee members sampled caprese skewers, pulled pork sliders with bacon jam and tuna tartare with wasabi cream and guacamole.

The Housatonic Habitat for Humanity was founded 31 years ago. The organization provides affordable homes throughout Connecticut’s Fairfield and Litchfield counties, all built by volunteers with materials gifted by local businesses. Qualifying families have completed an extensive paperwork application process and, once chosen, put in 250 hours of sweat equity in exchange for help in purchasing their home. They also help to build their homes alongside Habitat’s volunteers. Gartner noted that the organization is always looking for volunteers to give of their time and talents in service of the mission.

Gartner hopes that North Salem residents will join fellow locals at the Blueprints and Blue Jeans Gala for what promises to be an evening of inspiration and philanthropy. For those who cannot attend but still want to contribute to the cause, she noted that donating to or shopping at Danbury’s ReStore thrift warehouse is an excellent option. The store accepts donated materials from individuals and commercial operations, and all funds raised go directly to fund the building of affordable homes in the area.

The Blueprints & Blue Jeans Gala will take place Wednesday, October 4. General admission is $125 per person; tables for 10 are $1,000. Click here to RSVP.