Habitat Newburgh’s Gala Celebrates 25 Years

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Many were folks who can usually be spotted adorning faded jeans, old tee-shirts and work boots, getting down and dirty building homes; however, on the evening of July 20, 2024, they could be seen donning sharp tuxedos and suits and formal gowns.

The occasion they were celebrating inside the City of Newburgh’s Silk Factory was a special one: The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s 25th Anniversary Gala. The first event of its kind in the organization’s quarter of a century existence, the Gala fundraiser brought in around 170 people to enjoy the wide range of activities saluting a cornerstone, highly successful, non-profit in the City of Newburgh. The evening, filled with entertainment, included; dinner, a silent auction, the emcee expertise of Paul Ernenwein, as well as chock-filled video program, highlighting major events involved in the renovated homes and dedicated volunteers of the organization which delivers affordable housing using “sweat equity” hours.

“It was an exciting evening to get together with people who have a deep commitment to Habitat and their mission of providing affordable housing,” said Paul Brothe, President of the Board of Directors of the Newburgh Habitat chapter. “It was a fun event, notable too because it was the only gala in the 25 year history of our organization, and one which raised more than $60,000.”

The inaugural gala was also memorable due to its impressive number of local dignitaries. Among the crowd were; Rob Rolison, New York State Senator; Jonathan Jacobson, New York State Assemblyman; Steve Neuhaus, County Executive of Orange County; Kevindaryan Lujan, Orange County Legislator; Torrance Harvey, City of Newburgh Mayor, Robert McLymore Sr., City of Newburgh Council Member; and Scott Manley, Town of Newburgh Council Member.

All were able to bear witness to some extra special news delivered during the night: the unveiling of a new Habitat project-one that will be happening in the Town of Newburgh. Thanks to securing a grant through the MacKenzie Scott Fund, Habitat for Humanity was able to purchase a piece of land in its neighboring Town, where it will soon be hard at work constructing its first modular home. The special building will bear the namesake of the founders-William and Mary Murphy- of the quarter century old organization whose inspiration started at the couple’s kitchen table and operation was conducted in their home before securing its now permanent office space location.

Both William and Mary were on hand at the Gala to hear the exciting, touching news, honoring their legacy. The duo was presented with a small decorative bottle of dirt from the piece of land where the symbolic first home constructed outside the City of Newburgh, representing as their name states, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, will be built.

“William and Mary not only founded the organization, they have been big supporters as volunteers and donors,” pointed out Brothe about the latest title distinction. “It is a special honor to have a home named for someone, and their dedication over the past 25 years makes it fitting to name the first house outside the City of Newburgh and our first modular home, which are built by our affiliates across the country and have distinct advantages in terms of cost and construction time, after them.”