Habitat for Humanity Detroit hosted its 3rd Annual Red Carpet Bash and Habbie™ awards on Sunday, Mar 2, 2014, at the luxurious Max M. Fisher Music Center and Orchestra Hall in Detroit.
The Habbie™ awards was the organization’s spin off version of the Oscars®. The event was held to honor the “stars” (volunteers, homeowners, community partners and sponsors) of Habitat Detroit. Special guests of the Habbie™ awards included Nicole Curtis (Host of Rehab Addict on HGTV/DIY), Andrew Humphrey (Meteorologist at WDIV-Channel 4), and Dr. Partha Nandi (Host of Ask Dr. Nandi on Impact Network) just to name a few. Our media partner Dr. Nandi said that he loved the turn out of the Habbie™ awards. His favorite part of the show was watching the homeowners being so happy and crying from gratitude. Dr. Nandi also said that he loves Habitat for Humanity because he enjoys the union of the organization; the fact that the home owners participate in building their home is what speaks to him the most. Dr. Nandi believes in giving back and helping people help themselves. He practices what he preaches by providing the public with answers to their health questions on his hit show ‘Ask Dr. Nandi’ which can be seen on Comcast and Dish Network.
This year’s Habbie™ awards went to Andrew R. Byerly for Construction Volunteer of the Year, Bert Long for Restore Volunteer of the Year, Bob Champion for Non-Construction Volunteer of the Year, Edwin & Nicetas Proctor for the Scot Norris Superhero Award, UAW for Sponsor of the Year, Marriot and Walker Miller Energy Services for Community Partner of the Year, and Beatrice Coleman for Homeowner of the Year. As Coleman fought to hold back tears she accepted her award. In her acceptance speech she said that she loves her new home and that she ask God to continue blessing Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity went all out for their stars; just like their favorite movie stars, guest walked the red carpet as cameras flashed. A delicious strolling dinner was provided for guest along with screens for viewing of the Oscars® live broadcast. Guest also had the opportunity to enjoy a mini art exhibit. There were many pieces for guest to bid on if they were interested.
Along with the art exhibit there was a beautiful unveiling of Academy Award® inspired couture green dresses. Couture green fashion designer Matthew Richmond created the eco-friendly dresses in honor of Habitat for Humanity. Richmond created the dresses out of construction materials that Habitat for Humanity would normally use to create new homes. Ready to wear fashion made from recycled material has a reputation of being costly. When asked about the cost of creating eco-friendly fashion Richmond said that his way of doing it is not as expensive. Richmond suggest that the cost of green clothing is largely due to the processing of the recycled materials. However, Richmond’s designs appeared to be created from raw materials. Richmond created an entire dress from caution tape; he also made a dress from paint samples and bubble wrap, as well as another gorgeous dress from grid non-slip rug pads. Richmond even went the extra mile for Habitat for Humanity by creating a striking necklace of nails. Richmond only uses upcycled materials in his designs; you can explore more of Matthew Richmond, at www.thepaperdresscode.com.
Habitat for Humanity receives materials like wood through donations. If you would like to donate building materials, furniture, or appliances to Habitat for Humanity please contact your local Habitat Restore or visit Habitat for Humanity online: http://www.habitat.org/getinv/materials_donations.aspx.
If you are a large corporation and would like to donate please e-mail Habitat for Humanity at gik@habitat.org. The gift of giving doesn’t stop at material possessions, time is priceless; if you would like to volunteer your time with Habitat for Humanity please visit: http://www.habitat.org/getinv/materials_donations.aspx.
Reporter: Jazznae Sharee
