Habitat for Humanity kicks off Women Build with ‘Hammers & High Heels’

Hammers And High Heels A Constructive Event For Women from Lee Roberts on Vimeo.

Video: What do “Hammers and High Heels” have in common? It’s the theme of an event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 18 at Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin, Tenn., where the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County has live music planned to benefit an upcoming Women Build.  Honda will clear the showroom and for that evening it will all be about having a great time and supporting a great cause.

By Lee Roberts

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (June 30, 2013) – Tool belts with hammers hanging and stiletto shoes are acceptable attire for women attending the “Hammers & High Heels” benefit gala 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 18 at Darrell Waltrip Honda.

These volunteers participate in a Women Build in 2012 for the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. (Courtesy Photo)
These volunteers participate in a Women Build in 2012 for the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. (Courtesy Photo)

“Hammers & High Heels” features live music, food from local restaurants, and a silent auction.  Tickets in advance are $25 and $30 at the door.  All proceeds support a Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County Women Build in Fairview, Tenn., beginning Aug. 17.

Jennee Galland, marketing and events manager, said “Hammers & High Heels” is a great opportunity for both women and men to enjoy fantastic entertainment and to learn more about how to participate in the upcoming Women Build.

“It’s really just a fun event,” she said.  “So if anybody has just been thinking about Women Build or just wants to come out and support the cause, it’s a great night to come out and do so.”

Women Build volunteers usually consist of more than 75 percent women. The great thing about the cause is it encourages women to get involved with providing a nice home for a worthy family that also participates alongside the volunteers.

“We go out and we actually put the siding on the house.  We put the framing up.  We do all the painting – all the interior work,” Galland explained.  “Getting a family into a home and letting them have a safe place to raise their children” is what it’s all about.

Billy Whipple, donor volunteer coordinator, said it’s his job to assist women with the volunteer process and with building teams for each phase of building the home.

“Depending on the day of the build they’ll go from raising the walls to putting on the house wrap and insulation down to doing the siding and the trim work and painting,” Whipple said.

He also said it’s his job to prepare volunteers for the tasks they will be doing.

“We’re scheduling women’s workshops with Lowe’s right now,” Whipple said.  “That’s going to be a smaller environment where they can go in and learn different tricks and different tips on how to do stuff.  And then when they come out to the site they’ll have very small groups with a leader that will teach them how to do everything for that day.”

Whipple said by preparing volunteers for the tasks they will perform it also helps with making the construction site safer. He said all safety equipment and tools for the job are provided by Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County.

“It’s important to have fun but it’s also really important not to get hurt while having fun,” Whipple said.

Galland said “Hammers & High Heels” is made possible through sponsors, which are Darrell Waltrip Honda, Shuff’s Music & Piano Showroom, Moon Wine & Spirits, The Bunganut Pig Pub & Eatery, Constant Craving Caterers, and Williamson Herald.

Volunteers are being enlisted to support the Women Build, which will provide skill sets that can benefit women who want to learn how to maintain their own homes. And it all starts with “Hammers & High Heels,” where people can support fundraising and obtain information. It all helps pay for the “bricks and sticks” of the home, Galland said.

For more information about tickets for “Hammers & High Heels,” visit the Women Build 2013 website, the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, and the Facebook page for the organization.