Recent storms underscore the need for affordable housing as Habitat for Humanity of GreenvilleCounty preps Dinner on Ice this month, now offering sponsorship and single ticket sales
November 4, 2024
Hurricane Helene’s destruction went beyond downed trees and power outages in the Upstate.
It exposed a critical need for more affordable homeownership, affordable home repairs, and housing opportunities in Greenville.
“The storm revealed how vulnerable many in our community truly are,” said LaTonya Phillips, President of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “While we all faced the same storm, we were not in the same boat. Resources to cope varied greatly among residents. Many people are still struggling, and the lack of affordable housing options and affordable repairs is a major concern.”
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County is taking action. They are hosting the Dinner on Ice Gala being held on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville. Dinner on Ice is an enchanted evening that goes beyond your typical fundraiser. Guests will enjoy a unique, ice-themed dining experience on the ice, served by the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey players! It’s a night filled with entertainment; including a hockey shoot out contest, silent auction, cocktail hour, live music, and the popular “Table Challenges.” During the Table Challenges, attendee’s tables can challenge another table or even an individual to a hilarious task. Amusing examples in the past have included hockey players balancing dinner rolls for as long as they can or a hockey player arm wrestling an attendee! This fun-filled fundraiser event is supported by the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team. Semiformal attire is encouraged, but not required. Attendees are encouraged to dress warm – after all, it is on the ice! But don’t worry, the ice is covered, so no skates required!
In addition, Habitat has released a limited number of individual tickets! They can be purchased here. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and additional information is available at this link or by reaching out to the event coordinator, Sarah Ratcliff, at [email protected].
Habitat Greenville raised more than $140,000 from the 2023 Dinner On Ice event, which helped benefit 120 people, closed 16 mortgages, and completed 50 home repair/weatherization projects.
“Our community was hit hard by Helene and there has been an amazing amount of short-term recovery efforts,” said Monroe Free, CEO of Habitat Greenville. “But now it is time to start thinking long-term. Habitat is the forefront of creating real and tangible solutions when it comes to affordable homeownership. Dinner on Ice is a key part of that strategy.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of April 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org
