It was a great start in the first year for our growing organization.  There were many events that were fun as well as successful in the year 2005 and we are looking forward to an even better 2006.  The first event we had in 2005 was a Happy Hour at Kona Bistro in Oakley Square.  Although this event was less publicized, we still had a good turnout raising around $500 for Habitat for Humanity.

Our second event was a co-sponsored event at McFadden’s in which the proceeds went to Hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulf Coast Region.  This disaster devastated thousands, and almost destroyed one of our most culturally rich cities.  In conjunction with other groups around Cincinnati, the Katrina Collaboration Happy Hour was able to raise thousands of dollars to give to the people in the Gulf Coast.  This is the first among many steps Habitat YP intends to take to rebuild the region.

Following our involvement with the Katrina Collaboration, Cincy Habitat YP held another Happy Hour event at McFadden’s to benefit our local community.  Our turnout at this event was above and beyond what we expected, and we managed to raise around $1000.  This happy hour allowed us to connect with hundreds of young professionals around the Cincinnati Area and increase their awareness of Habitat for Humanity.  From this event we were not only able to raise money, but we were also able to attract new YP’s who were interested in helping out our cause. 

These inspiring events caused us to go for one more before the year was over.  Mulligan’s in Hyde Park was the place and success was the outcome.  At this happy hour fundraiser we raised over $1500!!  We not only had a great time, but we saw what we can do as a community when we all join together for a common cause. This event offered drink specials, a raffle, and a great time.  It was fulfilling to see so many people that care about not only people they know personally, but the community they live in.  Many new faces showed up giving us even more determination and drive to put forth our efforts to the coming new year.

Cincy Habitat YP is about fundraising as well as doing work on all levels.  This was evident when many Cincy Habitat YP members took part in a house build in early December in Fairmont.  This site has two houses funded by Cincinnati Habitat and were built for two very good families in need.  Pictures of this event, as well as the happy hour at Mulligan’s, were featured in CinWeekly as a group of young professionals doing work in the community. We are pleased with the accomplishments in the year 2005 but by no means satisfied.  Cincy Habitat YP intends to continue fundraising throughout 2006 with the goal of raising enough money to co-sponsor a house in 2007.

We would like to thank everyone who came out to our events in the year and everyone who has helped us this past year.  Without our supporters and the community, we would have not been as successful.  Please tell your friends, family, and co-workers that there is a new group in town, and we would love for everyone to get involved and make a difference.

You can view the CinWeekly article at:

http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051214/COV/512140339/1076/archive.