Build With Us Event Raises Over $90,000 for SLO County
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) is proud to announce the success of its annual Build With Us fundraiser, which brought together community members, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of giving—and raised over $90,000 in support of Home Preservation, Affordable Housing, and Neighborhood Revitalization Programs.
Held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the scenic Edna Valley Ranch and presented by Mechanics Bank, Build With Us combined live music from the Ryan Delmore Band, dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering, a lively program emceed by Neil Herbert, a wine pull, silent auction, and live auction called by auctioneer Cody Dawson featuring exclusive experiences and one-of-a-kind items. The highlight of the evening was hearing from the son of one of the new Paso Robles Habitat Homeowners.
“The most poignant moment of the program was hearing the authentic perspective of a 17-year-old whose family just moved into their new Habitat Home,” said Dawn Smith, Director of Development. “The room fell silent as Christian Serna shared his experience, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Homeownership transforms lives for generations.”
All proceeds from the event will directly support Habitat SLO’s critical programs, including new home construction, home preservation, aging-in-place services for seniors, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
“Every dollar raised at Build With Us is an investment in our community,” said Kristie Anderson – Steele, Interim CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our guests, sponsors, volunteers, and auction donors for making this evening not just a celebration, but a powerful step forward in helping local families access safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
Guests bid generously on auction items including a three-night vineyard stay for twelve, a private sightseeing flight over the Central Coast, a Disney Aulani resort getaway, and a Pismo Beach Adventure. The community’s support truly hammered home the message of Habitat’s mission.
Habitat SLO thanks presenting sponsor Mechanics Bank and more than 70 local businesses and individuals whose generosity made the event possible. Other sponsors include Albertsons – Paso, American Riviera Bank, Ancient Peaks Winey, Ashley Vance Engineering, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Avenue Twelve, Jenny & Phil Barlow, Barnhart Home, Black Hand Cellars, Board in SLO, Bradford Portraits, Brent Keast, The Carlton Hotel, Central Coast Brewing, Central Coast Community Energy, Charles Paddock Zoo, Anne Crabbe, Daou Family Estates, Derby Winery, Didi Hakes, Dignified Hope Care, El Lugar Wines, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Yvonne Goll Photography, Hamachai Design, The Harris Family, Higuera Ranch, Hive Engineering, Idler’s Home, Just Baked, Kula Winery and Restaurant, Limoneira / Windfall Farms, Lucky Oak Laundry, Gary Marshall, Mechanics Bank, Michele Good, Coastal Controller, MYLR Bookstore, Niner Wine Estates, Onx Winery, Pacific Gas & Electric, Peachy Canyon Winery, Dr. Rick Phillips, Poor Richard’s Press, Pretty Cow Cookie Co., Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Semmes and Co. Builders, Inc, Serial Wines, SESLOC Credit Union, Shawn and Kara Mulqueeney, Talley Vineyards, Team Smithers, The Cakery, Trader Joe’s – Templeton, Truss Wines, Truitt Vance, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach and Village Preschool.
Learn more about volunteering by clicking the button below.