This year’s annual Beams and Dreams fundraiser was nothing short of a celebration for Warren County Habitat for Humanity’s (Warren County Habitat) 25th Anniversary! The energy was high, as guests enjoyed perusing the many silent auction baskets, partaking in a meal of hearty hors d’oeuvres, taking photos at a beautifully crafted balloon arch, and so much more. The event was one of Warren County Habitat’s most successful, raising over $50,000 towards future home builds and repairs in Warren County!

Compared to past years, this year’s annual event flowed more freely. Instead of guests finding the entertainment, the entertainment found them! Henry Carlyle, the evening’s magician, would appear and perform magic tricks for guests on the spot, to their amazement. He skillfully transported a foam rabbit from his hand to that of the guest watching him, dazzled with a wallet full of flames, and took the classic “Is this your card?” trick to a new level.

For a brief respite from the loud bustle of the event, guests took advantage of the space in the Hawk Pointe Golf Club foyer where local artist Irene Kotinsky created personalized, detailed sketches of them. After enjoying the festivities and each other’s company, it was almost time for the live auction, and for Bert Baron, morning host at WRNJ and the night’s emcee, to shine.

Paddles were in the air the second the auction began! Bert described the items in detail to the guests, including a 14′ kayak, a one-week trip for two to a stunning beach house in Myrtle Beach, eight hours of handyman services, a sight-seeing plane ride and an off-roading experience generously donated by OK4WD.

With over 155 guests in attendance, this year’s Beams and Dreams was a success all around for Warren County Habitat. The organization is hoping to double the number of repairs performed within the next year, expand their reach into Sussex County, finish their current home build in Harmony Township and construct three duplexes in Franklin Township.

The funds will also help support their second retail location, The HUT, where customers can purchase donated clothing, coats, jewelry, shoes, accessories and more for bargain prices. All proceeds from sales go back into programming for the organization.

Warren County Habitat would like to acknowledge Hawk Pointe Golf Club yet again for the use of their gorgeous venue. While there are many organizations who supported this event, they would especially like to thank Elizabethtown Gas, Valley Bank, Warren Thompson and Son Roofing and Siding, DM Millwork/Builders General Supply, DSM-firmenich and PBR Roofing LLC for being Beams and Dreams’ Roof Sponsors this year.

For more information on the Home Repair Program, Warren County Habitat’s Homeownership Program, the ReStore, The HUT, the Community Center and more, follow Warren County Habitat on Facebook at www.facebook.com/warrencountynjhabitat, Instagram @warrenhabitatforhumanity, or visit their website at www.warrenhabitat.org.