On Saturday, July 18, more than 800 volunteers from 22 states came together virtually to help Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) build new homes for four hardworking families – ensuring they too can be “safer at home” during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Power Women, Power Tools®, presented by City National Bank, allowed volunteers to build from their homes; raising nearly $95,000 to continue Habitat’s good work!
For the first time in 16 years, Power Women, Power Tools® shifted from an in-person event to a virtual event to ensure the safety of the Habitat LA community, while still raising funds and awareness for affordable housing solutions. The event normally invited “power women” from different industries to lend their time, talent, and to donate to a special build event, working side-by-side with current and future Habitat LA homeowners to help build their home. This year, through event challenges, an online auction and special celebrity guests’ appearances; not only power women, but power men and children were able to provide a hand-up, not a hand-out.
“Our Power Women, Power Tools® virtual event looked different from our traditional event,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO, Habitat LA. “But this change helped us reach even more people from our community and across the country; helping us make a even larger impact on affordable housing.”
Many volunteers participated in four challenges prior to the event, showing how they build better futures in Los Angeles.
- Colors and Construct invited our future builders (ages 2-13) to help color a premade drawing of a Habitat LA house. These “architects in the making” added their special personalized, showing us just how colorful the future Los Angeles will be! See all of the creative submissions here!
- Imagine, Design, Build! challenged volunteers to use only the materials found in their homes – and a whole lot of imagination, to build a Habitat LA house. From green building with recycled materials, to innovative virtual designs, and even a unique hand-drawn picture; our volunteers turned up the level of creativity! Check out all of the inventive submissions here!
- Why I Build highlighted the different ways and many reasons why volunteers build with Habitat LA. Watch videos from partner families, volunteers and donors on how they build homes, communities and hope here!
- #FoundItAtTheReStore showcased great purchases and the support of affordable housing, by shopping at the ReStore. Take a closer look at many of the breathtaking submissions here!
On the event day, volunteers participated in an online auction, viewed a special musical performance from Toniesha Harris from The Voice, and also heard inspiring messages from Power Women Tina Knowles Lawson, Cookie Johnson, and more.
Though physically apart, the community still built together, helping people realize the importance of home and what a difference it can make in the lives of a family.
Entertainment volunteers in attendance included:
Tonya Banks, Actress
Barbie Bensen, Actress
L. Scott Caldwell, Actress
Emily Coutts, Actress
David DeSantos, Actor
Julie Ann Emery, Actress
Babe Evans, Actress
Ashley Fink, Actress
Cookie Johnson, Philanthropist/Author
Charley Koontz, Actor, CSI Cyber
Tina Knowles Lawson, Designer, Mentor
Dawnn Lewis, Actress
Kate Linder, Actress
Lisa LoCicero, Actress
Bret Lockett, Former NFL
Natasha Marc, Actress
Miranda Rae Mayo, Actress
Shevon Nieto, Jamaican Olympian
Pat Prescott, 94.7 The Wave
Robi Reed, Casting Director
KiKi Shepard, Actress/Model
Alex Rose Wiesel, Actress
Habitat LA wishes to thank our official sponsors and supporters of the 2020 Power Women, Power Tools®
Presenting Sponsor
City National Bank
Builder Sponsors
Melanie Cook, Partner – Ziffren Brittenham LLP
Marni Rosenzweig – Rosenzweig Group LA
Safety Sponsor
Neutrogena
Hammer and Nail Sponsors
Laserfiche
Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA)
SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones
