Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Florida, raised $6,220 at the second annual Hard Hats & High Heels women’s empowerment luncheon. Presented by Silver Sands Premium Outlets, the event was held at Trebeaché on Thursday, May 10, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Over 100 community-minded women attended the uplifting event in support of Habitat’s mission of affordable housing in Walton County, doubling the proceeds of the event’s first year.

During the first half of the luncheon women enjoyed networking, music by DJ 30A, ‘Construction & Couture’ photo booth pictures, engaging activities and raffle competitions – She Nailed It and Home is the Key, with prizes donated by Emerald Coast Chiropractic, Courtyard Marriott, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Wardrobe Made Simple, Lola’s on 30A, and Jewelers Workbench of Destin.

Attendees also bid in the ‘A Brush With Kindness’ silent auction which featured five local artists’ repurposed pieces from Habitat’s ReStore.

Featured artists included Lee Hensley of Lola’s on 30A, Maxine Orange Bern of Maxine Orange Art & Design, Jennifer Jones of Compass Builders of Florida, Kim Pall of Kim Pall – Art & Design, and Marisol Gullo of Not too Shabby Boutique.

During the second half of the event, a plated lunch was served while women heard from the ‘Who Built You Up?’ guest speaker, Laurie Beck of Pilates by the Sea. Custom created Velia Lala Designs awards recognized the 2018 Glamour to the Hammer recipient and long-time Women Build Week committee leader Cindy McCue, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets presented the Veronica Macias 2018 Power Woman of the Year award to JL Franklin.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout for our second year,” said Habitat Walton County Executive Director Teresa Imdieke.

“Women are concerned about the status of affordable housing in Walton County. We are bringing them together to advocate on behalf of those in need, educate the on the status of housing in our county, and provide actionable ways they can help.”

The community played an instrumental role in ensuring the luncheon’s success. Sponsors and supporters included Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Community Bank, Sandestin Ladies’ Golf Association, Young’s Screenprinting, Kilwin’s Sandestin Grand Boulevard, Clay 30A, Avantgarde, 360 Blue, Margaret Ellen Bridal, Eight Little Lessons in Hope & Healing by Laurie Beck, Dog-Harmony, Fore Her, Frillseekers, Lobster Tail, and more.

“We are so grateful for our sponsors and wonderful donors who play a vital role in making this event a success,” said Imdieke. “With their help, and others looking to get involved, we are excited to continue growing the event to provide even more help for those in Walton County.”

For more info, visit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, or follow them on Facebook.