Habitat for Humanity Hunt Ball 2021

H A B I T A T F O R H U M A N I T Y

in Coastal Georgia has always meant the convergence of three lifestyle pillars: faith, family and friends. But as the pandemic of 2020 sent the world careening into solitary confinement, home became even more. Our personal sanctuaries went into multitasking overdrive, transformed virtually overnight into classrooms, workplaces, computer labs, entertainment complexes and decorating centers. We were regularly invaded by outsiders via phenomena called Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and the like. By and large, we spent so much time nestled in our four walls that “home sweet home”

took on a whole new meaning. For most of us, it was simply a matter of adjusting our home and space. However, for others in our community, there were much more significant challenges.

“For people living in unsafe, substandard or overcrowded housing when lockdown began, to call 2020 a living nightmare would be an understatement,” said Mason Waters, board chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County (HFHGC). “Things went from bad to much, much worse.” HFHGC was founded on the principle that no one should have to live in unsafe or substandard housing, and this is where they can step in to help.

The nonprofit’s Hunt Ball fundraiser is a celebration of the Southern hunt and designed to help others in their hunt for a home. The 2021 event will be held Sunday, October 10th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Frederica Golf Club. HFHGC executive director and CEO, Becca Randall, who took the helm this July upon the retirement of stalwart Bert Brown, shared the organization’s excitement about the muchanticipated event and the role it plays. “We completed three homes in 2019 and looked forward to starting construction on home number 88, on Reynolds Street in Brunswick, in the spring of 2020. That, of course, didn’t happen. Fortunately, we were able to begin building this year, postvaccination, with limited crews for safety. Our partner family, a single mom with four kids, moves into its new home this month,” Randall stated.

The post-vaccination economy, however, also brought unexpected developments that may prove to be the Glynn County’s Habitat affiliate’s greatest-ever challenge. Lumber prices skyrocketed at a rate unseen in the U.S. since the post-World War II housing boom. “Lumber prices rose 60% between April and May 2021,” said Waters, citing industry research, “en route to a 374% increase above the previous year. The price of an average new single-family home in America rose almost $40,000. And prices aren’t expected to drop any time soon. No one could have predicted these numbers. HFHGC is beyond grateful this year for the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. By their grace we’ve been able to readjust and recalibrate for the market’s new normal to build again.”

Hunt Ball proceeds will also support Century Place, HFHGC’s new fifteenhome neighborhood in Brunswick, which broke ground in May and will include the organization’s 100th home. The unique community is located near schools, the Boys & Girls Club, Southeast Georgia Regional Health System and the College of Coastal Georgia.

The Hunt Ball celebrates traditional Southern outdoor endeavors of fishing, fowling, and game hunting. The evening features wildlife artists and artisans; live demonstrations with owls, hawks

and hounds; exhibitions of vintage and European marksmanry; a live auction of exceptional hunting and fishing experiences, and entertainment by the Mason Waters and the Groove AllStars.

Guests will enjoy local oysters, wild game, delicious BBQ, and other Southern fare, paired with bourbon tastings, an open bar, and some additional hunt-themed culinary delights. Dress for the informal event is jeans and stylish hunting attire. Tickets are $250 per person. The 2019 inaugural Hunt Ball was a sold-out event and was an evening to remember, so be sure to get your tickets early. Purchase by contacting Hunt Ball co-chair Amanda Johnson at 912.663.9477 or go to hfhglynn.org > Donate > Hunt Ball 2021 to buy online.

A new addition to this year’s Hunt Ball festivities is a pre-event pheasant shoot at the Dorchester Shooting Preserve in Midway, on Saturday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Limited blinds are available for the shoot, with two or three people maximum per blind. Registration is $1200 per blind and includes lunch.

Pheasant Hunt Particulars: During a pheasant hunt, participants (in pairs or teams of three) occupy one of 12 stations located in a circle approximately 150 yards from a 60-foot tower. The stations are situated approximately 50-60 yards apart. The shooting round begins when a signal is given from the tower. All guns are to remain unloaded until the signal is given. Once the pheasants for that shooting round have been released, and the downed birds are retrieved, another signal will be given to end the shooting round. Hunters unload their guns and rotate clockwise to the next shooting station; no shooting is allowed while rotating stations. Once each pair of hunters has arrived at the next station, another signal is given and the next shooting round will begin. The shoot continues in this manner until each pair of hunters has visited all stations.

As the number of blinds is limited, advance registration is required. If you’d like to participate, please contact Amanda Johnson or send your check to: Becca Randall HFHGC, PO Box 296, Brunswick, GA 31521.

With your support, Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County can help make the hunt for a safe home easier for those in need, one family at a time.