A joyful evening of connection and appreciation

On September 3rd, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County hosted a party to honor the very heart of our work: our dedicated volunteers and community supporters. Whether building on the jobsite, welcoming shoppers in the store, lending a hand in the office, or contributing quietly behind the scenes, these generous individuals give their time, talents, and treasure year after year, powering our mission to build homes, community, and hope.

It was a joyful evening of connection and appreciation, with familiar faces reuniting and new friendships forming over delicious tacos from GBF Catering. Attendees traveled from near and far, including crossing state lines and international borders, to join in the celebration. Guests played games, swapped stories, and enjoyed a well-deserved night of fun.

 Memorable Moments

The highlight of the evening came when new homeowners Cindy and Susan wowed the crowd with the ABCs of Habitat Gratitude, filling the room with laughter and spontaneous applause. Executive Director Jamie Maciejewski then took the stage to present this year’s prestigious Golden Hammer Awards—a symbol of extraordinary dedication and service to Habitat’s mission. This year’s honorees represent the very best of what it means to build community.

Golden Hammer Award Honorees

Tori Allen – Our first female Competent Person Plus (CP+) volunteer and the top volunteer hours contributor for the past two years, logging an incredible 827 hours last year alone. Her commitment is unmatched and deeply inspiring.

Craig Cannon – A CP+ volunteer and the only volunteer member of our Safety Committee, Craig has taken on the huge task of updating our SDS binders—an essential behind-the-scenes effort that makes a big difference in keeping everyone safe.

Marlene Colvin – A steady and cheerful presence in our office, volunteering almost every week for over a decade. Her reliability and warmth brighten every room she enters, as do her light-up sneakers. Marlene also serves as a gracious hostess during our Care-a-vanner Welcome Dinners.

Dave Harrah – Dave is one of our most dependable helpers. He does post office runs five days a week and is always willing to take on just about any errand we ask of him. Over the years, he has pitched in on construction sites, in the Store, and in the office. Dave is an all-around Habitat supporter and a fierce advocate for our mission.

Jon Hall & Kate Hawley – This powerhouse couple began volunteering together in the Store processing room during Covid. While they both still work in the processing room, Jon is becoming an expert in antique books, while Kate has started helping at the front counter.

Mary Lou Larson – A front-line champion in the store, known for her kindness, sharp eye for where she’s needed most, and dedication to filling in when volunteer coverage is low.

Kathryn Malý – A visionary leader who helped launch our permanent affordability and Mason Street efforts and continues to strengthen our governance through tireless board service and exceptional recruitment outreach.

David Miller – Our very first CP+ volunteer, David commits to a minimum of 52 days a year on the jobsite (or once a week but sometimes he goes on vacation and makes up for it later). His advanced safety training ensures that every Habitat site is a safer place for volunteers and future homeowners alike.

Earll & Rena Murman – Long-time Habitat champions, Earll and Rena have shared their wisdom and support in countless ways. From serving on committees like Homeowner Services to offering thoughtful advice across the organization, their impact has been invaluable.

John & Sally Nuerenberg – A dynamic duo whose behind-the-scenes work in the processing room keeps the store running smoothly. Their attention to detail and teamwork are indispensable. They’ll come into a room packed to the ceiling and leave when the place is entirely cleared out.

Nils Pedersen – A longtime board member whose deep commitment is reflected in this astonishing stat: he has spent one-sixth of his life serving on our Board of Directors. Nils started on the construction site, found his way into the office, was roped into the finance committee, and found his way onto the board. He’s retiring from the board this year and his deep institutional knowledge will be missed.

Rick Zajicek – A true jack-of-all-trades, Rick has volunteered in construction, the store, maintenance, and the office. He even painted the store during the COVID shutdown. Most recently, he has been instrumental in preparing us for our upcoming database upgrade. Rick calls his recognition a “Golden Keyboard Award,” but no matter the name, his impact is golden indeed.

Closing Remarks

Each of these individuals embodies the core values of Habitat: humility, grace, courage, and celebration.

To all who joined us, and to all who were unable to attend but give their time, heart, talent, or treasure to Habitat, we extend our deepest gratitude. You are the foundation on which we build.

For more information on volunteering or contributing in other ways, please visit the Donate or Volunteer webpages.