Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will host their annual ‘Women Build’ Brunch on April 26 at the Chattanoogan Hotel from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The brunch is presented by Hamico and Real Estate Partners. Community volunteer Cynthia Dale will serve as chair, while Nicole Brown will emcee the program. Andrea Hardaway, author, property developer and manager, will be the keynote.
Officials said, "Andrea's company, First Property Management, has become a magnet for real estate investors focused on growing their property portfolios.
In addition to her business, she is also a strategy consultant and will be offering her valuable insights and encouragement to guests attending Women Build.
"This year’s effort is especially significant as it will honor a dedicated mother and daughter who will be living in the new home. Mom Shirley Pitner (78) and daughter Sherry Pitner (55) are a resilient duo who have worked through the challenges of Sherry’s kidney disease since she was 10 years old. Sherry’s kidneys failed during her senior year of high school and her mom stood by her, even risking her job to offer unwavering support during hospital visits. Over the years, Sherry received a transplant that lasted for over ten years before failing. Today, Sherry has received her third transplant which is functioning well.
"Throughout the health challenges, the Pitners remained steadfast in their faith and desire for a place to call their own. As they age, their desire for a secure and safe home has deepened. Upon acceptance into Habitat’s homeownership program, Sherry and Shirley immersed themselves in fulfilling their sweat equity hours. Visitors to Habitat’s Restores or the Habitat office will often see Sherry and Shirley offering assistance. They've completed their initial set of sweat equity hours and homeowner education classes and have selected the lot on which their home will be built. They are one step closer to home ownership and with the help of Women Build on April 26, may realize a lifelong dream."
Ms. Dale said, “It’s an honor to assist Habitat in raising awareness for the important work being done in our community. Sherry and Shirley have endured challenges many of us will never face and they’ve done it with grace and unwavering faith, knowing that their goal of homeownership is reachable. As a community volunteer, I love to see non-profits making a difference; however, in this case, it truly is faith in action.”
Habitat CEO Jens Christensen said, “We are incredibly excited about this year’s homeowners. They have literally been working for decades to achieve the dream of homeownership and our hope is that on April 26, we will raise enough money to make their dream a reality.”
To purchase tickets or make a gift, visit the Habitat
website. Individual tickets are $75 and tables of eight are $500, which includes brunch and individual tickets for a Bloody Mary or Champagne Mimosa. The event is expected to quickly sell-out, officials said.