Wagner holds Habitat for Humanity Gala

The event is designed to raise money and awareness for those who have next to nothing.

By MAURA YATES

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

Sunday, November 6, 2005

The Wagner College community traded in their jeans and tool belts and put on their finest last night for a glittery evening designed to raise money and awareness for those who have next to nothing.

The inaugural Habitat for Humanity Gala, held at the school's Student Union, was the first major effort for the campus chapter, which has exploded in popularity since it was established three months ago. There are now 161 members ready to frame walls, swing hammers and hang windows in homes built for those who otherwise wouldn't have them.

Chapter president and founder Kate Smith, 19, a sophomore from Kinnelon, N.J., had worked on a Habitat for Humanity building project through her high school. "I saw the changes that it made in people’s lives,” she said. “With everything that happened with Hurricane Katrina, it made it absolutely necessary.

Ms. Smith said she wasn’t surprised by the amazing turnout of members on the Grymes Hill campus. “Their hearts went out to the victims and the rallied behind the cause,” said Ms. Smith. "It's a compassionate campus.”

"It's such a great experience to get to work alongside others who are getting new houses," said chapter vice president and Wagner College junior Mick White, 20, of Glassboro, N.J., who added "the funds we make tonight will make it possible to travel all over the country and someday maybe overseas."

The chapter now has two building projects in the works, including a possible trip to Florida this winter, and a spring trip to Newburgh, N.Y.

Molly Kollar, a 22-year-old senior from Scranton, Pa, already ready knows firsthand of the rewards that come from a building project, after working through her church help build a home for a needy family. "Just the way the family feels -they're so happy is reward enough," she said.

With an overnight camp out in cardboard boxes and a home-building project on the "Today Show" already under their belts, the members are poised to sound the alarm about the need for affordable housing for the less fortunate.

Paige Bellenbaum, director of advocacy for Habitat for Humanity-NYC, said that the group is "really hopeful and excited to have 161 advocates to go out and spread the message."

The school's dining hall was transformed into a sparkling gold-and-white ballroom, and the more than 150 guests enjoyed a lavish buffet, live jazz music, dancing and silent auctions throughout the evening.

Maura Yates is a news reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at myates@siadvance.com.