Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles Jon Runyan, now Congressman honors Habitat for Humanity

April 2, 2012 by HughE Dillon 1 Comment


Habitat
for Humanity of Burlington County celebrated 25 years of helping
the community with a High Heels and Hard Hats Building Hope Gala at the Laurel Creek Country Club in Mt. Laurel,
New Jersey last week. The MC for the night was sports reporter KYW’s Ed Benkin.

Hosting the event was former Philadelphia Eagles player and now Congressman Jon Runyan who presented a proclamation from the United States to Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Todd Ermer

Habitat Board President, Harry Bagot, (r) was honored at the Gala
for his eight years of services. “We are thrilled to have Harry, his
commitment to the program and his leadership as the current board
president,” said Todd Ermer, executive director.

 There was a silent auction featuring lots of signed sports memorabilia and other items that further help the fundraising efforts of Habitat for Humanity.

 Plenty of the former Philadelphia Eagles team mates were on hand to celebrate the event including Vince Papale, who’s story was immortalized in the movie “Invincible,” starring Mark Wahlberg.
Vince’s wife Janet was also in attendance. 

A few of the ladies in high heels: Beth Harless, Maria Gregg, and Lauren Repici.
 Joanne Blake, Jim Day and Anna Duhamel

 “Each
year over 2000 individuals come out and volunteer with us in Burlington
County. We value each and every volunteer, even if they have never held
a hammer or a screwdriver. Volunteer labor is very important and
valuable to us, but it is not the only resource we need to keep the Habitat momentum growing. It also takes money. Without funds to buy materials and cover other costs, construction stops, “said Todd Ermer,.

Vince Papale, Irving Dale Fryar, a former American college, and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for seventeen seasons. Fryar played college football for the University of Nebraska, and was recognized as an All-American. He was selected with the first overall pick of the 1984 NFL Draft, becoming the first wide receiver to be taken number one overall, and played professionally for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins of the NFL. Fryar grew up in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey and played high school football at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mario Henry, formerly of the Patriots,  founder of Infinity Speaking Group and lives the” goal-setting” way of
life. He has proven through his life choices that goal-setting works,
and his vision is to help adolescents reach their full potential through
goal-setting and Jon Runyan, the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional
District, will make an appearance. Runyan is a former offensive tackle
in the National Football League, (NFL), where he played for 14 seasons.
He is the fourth NFL veteran to be elected to Congress.
 
Habitat’s
Affordable Homeownership Program is designed to lend a “hand up” to low
and moderate income families in the community in order to help them
attain the dream of homeownership. Families who qualify perform up to
400 hours of “sweat equity.”  The event raised over $45,000.

These
hours include volunteering on the worksite, in our ReStore and in
homeowner education classes. Successful completion of the program earns
the family a zero percent, affordable mortgage at the sale of the home.  Just because the party is over doesn’t mean you can’t still help out.  For more information check it out HERE. Thanks to Mike Hirata for shooting this event, and to Jaimi Gordon Public Relations.