Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Hosts 2025 Building Hope Gala

An Evening of Celebration, Inspiration, and Community – October 3, 2025

Bridgewater, NJ — September 22, 2025 – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity invites the community to its premier annual fundraiser, the Building Hope Gala, on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the beautiful Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey. Guests will gather for a night filled with celebration, inspiration, and the shared mission of creating safe, affordable housing.

This elegant evening begins with a lively cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner, live music and dancing with the acclaimed band UPTOWN GETDOWNS, plus auctions, raffles, and more. All proceeds from the event directly support Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity’s work building and repairing homes in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.

“With the uncertainty of government funding, community support is more essential than ever,” said Jessica Abbott, Executive Director. “The success of the Building Hope Gala directly impacts our ability to help local families achieve the security and stability of safe, affordable housing.”

Honoring Local Leaders Making a Difference

The 2025 Building Hope Gala will recognize three outstanding partners whose leadership, generosity, and dedication have strengthened our region:

· Community Partner Honoree – Steve Katz, Executive Director, The Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Under Steve’s leadership, the Food Bank Network has expanded access by opening new satellite pantries in Raritan, Manville, and at the VA in Lyons, increasing food distribution from 1.2 million pounds in 2022 to 2 million pounds in 2024.

· Corporate Partner Honoree – James Lang, Chief Executive Officer, JC Contracting. JC Contracting has been an invaluable partner in growing Raritan Valley Habitat’s Repair Program. Thanks to James’s dedication, the organization has significantly expanded roofing capabilities for homeowners in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.

· Volunteer Partner Honoree – Tom Fik, Senior Engineer, Carroll Engineering Corporation. For 30 years, Tom has donated countless hours of service to help homeowners build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. His guidance, insight, hands-on expertise, and tireless work on land acquisition have been instrumental in advancing Habitat’s mission and ensuring families can live in safe, secure homes.

Event Details

What: Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Building Hope Gala When: Friday, October 3, 2025 Where: Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren, NJ

Highlights: Cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, live music by UPTOWN GETDOWNS, dancing, auctions, raffles

Grateful Thanks to Our Sponsors

Raritan Valley Habitat extends heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity makes this event possible, including our feature sponsors:

· Cocktail Reception Sponsor – Elite Properties

· Hope Framer Sponsor – Somerset Regal Bank

Additional thanks to Morris Animal Inn Warren, Cerminara Architect, JC Contracting, SS Pension Consultants LLC, and Unity Bank for their generous support.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at www.rvhabitat.org/BuildingHope.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:

Jeff Cromie Resource Development Manager Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity 908-704-0016 jcromie@rvhabitat.org