 ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding, contact [email protected]. For more information on proxy bidding, please see below. “Life is good, especially when you have a classic hotel to live it in.” Don’t miss your chance to escape to one of Wisconsin’s most historic—and breathtaking—hotels! Nestled in the heart of Fond du Lac (fondly known as “Fondy”), Hotel Retlaw blends old-world glamour with modern luxury. Initially opened in 1923 by Walter Schroeder (yes--“Retlaw” is Walter spelled backwards!), the hotel underwent a stunning renovation in 2019 and now shines with vintage elegance and contemporary flair. Step into a lobby of crystal chandeliers, porcelain-tiled floors, and timeless neoclassical details, all recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This package includes:
**(Certificates expire 9/1/26. Dates subject to hotel availability and blackout dates: EAA AirVenture Weekend, Road America, and New Year’s Eve. Suite choice subject to availability.)** When you’re not relaxing in luxury, enjoy all Fond du Lac has to offer—boutiques, art galleries, spas, restaurants, and cafes steps away, plus outdoor adventures along the scenic east shore of Lake Winnebago. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a getaway with friends, or a historic travel experience, Hotel Retlaw promises an unforgettable escape. Learn more: thehotelretlaw.com Can't join us on September 18? No problem! PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars! GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.  ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding, contact [email protected]. For more information on proxy bidding, please see below. Long-time Habitat supporters Jan and Jim Down have generously donated a week-long stay at their two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Keystone, Colorado. Located near all the conveniences, it also offers a wood-burning fireplace, wi-fi access, and a nearby pool. It can easily accommodate eight guests. *See blackout dates below.* This cozy home features:
New to Keystone?! Keystone is an excellent place for a vacation! It's a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities. Summer in Keystone is ideal for hiking and biking on the mountain trails. Enjoy year-round entertainment and shopping in Keystone Village. Winners of this vacation stay can consider many exciting activities as they plan their stay:
**Winners will arrange their stay with the Downs. The condo will NOT be available on the following dates:**
PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars! GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.  ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding, contact [email protected]. For more information on proxy bidding, please see below. Looking for an unforgettable dining experience? Longtime Habitat supporter, former Board member, and exceptional cook Kineret Zabner is opening her kitchen—and her heart—to host the winning bidder and seven friends for an authentic Venezuelan feast. Guests can choose to gather at Kineret’s beautiful Chauncey Building home in downtown Iowa City, complete with spectacular views, or have the meal delivered to their own table for a private dinner party without the cooking. Either way, you’ll enjoy unmatched hospitality, fantastic food, and warm conversation in great company. The menu includes a fresh salad starter, followed by a traditional spread of pulled beef, rice, black beans, and fried plantains, all topped off with a decadent dessert of coconut flan and berries. A truly special evening you won’t want to miss! *The winner will schedule their meal in advance with Kineret. Dates are subject to Kineret's availability. A delivered meal must be in the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty area. Can't join us on September 18? No problem! PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars! GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.
 This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding (see more below), contact [email protected]. Do you know what’s better than pie for a day? PIES FOR A YEAR! Karin Franklin will bake you a fresh pie of your choice. The winner will consult with Karin and pick a delectable flavor each month for the next year. Karin offers a variety of flavors and types of pie, and she has even perfected a delicious gluten-free option. *Arrange to pick up from Karin in Iowa City. **While Karin prepares many varieties and types of pies, some flavors may not be available. Timing and flavor choice must be agreed upon with Karin. Can't join us on September 18? No problem! PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars! GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.
Meet Larry Roehl, one of our extraordinary Iowa City ReStore CORE volunteers. Larry volunteers in the store multiple times each week, but that's not all—to meet our sustainability initiatives, he often repairs items in his home, which not only increases their value but also diverts them from the landfill. We recently caught up with Larry to chat about his experience volunteering with our organization.
What year did you start volunteering with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity? I believe that I started at ReStore about March of 2022, following retirement in 2020. What is your favorite memory with IVHFH? There are some very unique items that are donated to ReStore, I have restored some of the rusty woodworking planes to be sold at the store. If you could offer advice to any new volunteers or individuals considering volunteering, what would you tell them? The other volunteers are supportive and provide a good camaraderie. I see a benefit to help in the effort to recycle and reuse otherwise unneeded items. Thank you, Larry, for all of your hard work and dedication to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity! We are deeply grateful for the countless hours you have dedicated to our organization. Our September Tool of the Month is the Hammer Drill. IVHFH Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, explains what the Hammer Drill is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what she has to say! What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Hammer Drill is used on every construction build site. This multitasking tool not only spins but also punches simultaneously, and with its diamond-embedded bits, it can break through both softer woods and concrete. On-site, the construction team uses this tool to install anchors that secure the house to the concrete slab. This prevents wind lift and tipping with the heavier materials and trusses. Each of our Habitat homes is equipped with anchors to ensure the home remains securely in place. How to use it:
In a quiet Coralville neighborhood, a 74-year-old woman faced a challenge many of us might never consider—simply living safely in her own home.
Several years ago, Marilyn underwent double knee replacement surgery. Now, one of those replacements has failed, and her left knee will soon need to be operated on again. Every step causes her pain. She moves carefully, unsteadily, and with the lingering memory of past falls. Her doctors made it clear: after surgery, she would not be able to return home unless it was made safer and more accessible. Marilyn couldn’t bear the idea of saying goodbye to the house she called home for 35 years. So, she gave us a call. The biggest obstacle? The front entryway. Her home sits on a terraced lot, with just over four feet of elevation between the driveway and her front door. At the time, that climb was only possible via a set of stairs. She could manage them—but just barely—and each trip brought the risk of another fall. “I was terrified to leave my home,” Marilyn expressed. The solution was an accessibility ramp. Building it was no small task. The rise from the driveway to the door meant the ramp had to be carefully designed to meet code, with the proper slope and safe landings. The finished project includes five separate landings, skillfully routed to navigate around a concrete retaining wall, requiring more digging than most ramps. Now complete, the ramp allows her to come and go without fear. But that wasn’t the only barrier she faced. Inside, her only bathroom was equipped with a high-step-in tub—another dangerous daily challenge. Stepping over its edge had become increasingly difficult and risky. The answer was to replace it with a low-clearance, walk-in shower. When asked about our Helping Hands home repair program, Marilyn stated, “It’s a wonderful program. It helps so many people that are in some kind of bad situation and aren’t sure what to do. Something as simple as a ramp opens up your whole life again.” These repairs weren’t about luxury; they were about safety, independence, and dignity, and a lifeline for a neighbor in need. With the ramp in place and the shower installed, she’ll be able to heal from surgery in the comfort of the home she loves. Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity CASH RAFFLE for Women Build!
IVHFH is hosting a cash raffle with 500 tickets for sale. Proceeds from this cash raffle will support the Wai Yin Chan and Linda Digger Barrow Women Build project. Purchase a raffle ticket for $20 to enter a cash prize drawing. PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE BEFORE PARTICIPATING! PRIZES Prize amounts are subject to the total tickets sold by IVHFH. No more than 500 tickets will be sold for this raffle.
RULES AND REGULATIONS *Pursuant to Iowa Code § 99B.3(1)(a), payment for participation in raffles, games of chance, and other licensed gambling activities must be made in cash, check, money order, or debit card only.** **Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is UNABLE to process DEBIT CARD transactions.
 Meet Jim Ponto, a CORE volunteer with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's construction team. Jim has been a great addition to our CORE volunteers, and we are so glad that he volunteers with us! We recently caught up with Jim to discuss his experience volunteering with our organization. What year did you start volunteering with IVHFH? In the past 20 years or so, when I was working full-time, I volunteered a handful of times, primarily on Habitat builds sponsored by my church. Following retirement in 2020 (COVID at its peak), I started volunteering regularly (weekly) in April 2021. What is your favorite memory with IVHFH? There are so many favorite memories. Attending a dedication where joy is abundant. Getting the last final piece of siding installed. "Dad jokes" shared during break. The excitement of a young volunteer who used a pneumatic nail gun for the first time. But I guess my number one favorite memory is working with the Iowa Women's Basketball Team players and coaches in September 2023. If you could give advice to any new volunteers or individuals who are on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them? There is so much personal satisfaction in working on a house that a deserving family will cherish. The construction managers are fantastic at teaching and then letting you get to work with whatever level of supervision you need. There is also strong social engagement. I have developed solid friendships with other regular volunteers and have enjoyed meeting and working with a wide variety of occasional volunteers. What drives you to continue to volunteer with us? I continue to really enjoy volunteering. Every day is something different. I am always learning new knowledge and skills regarding construction principles, practices, techniques, tools, and materials (some of which I have employed in my own house and my kids' houses). I really like the camaraderie and working together to achieve a goal. Volunteering helps me maintain the social, physical, emotional, and altruistic balance that many retirees strive to experience. It is also satisfying to see how much is accomplished in each work shift. Is there anything else you would like to share? My wife and I believe that helping ensure that every member of our community has adequate food, clothing, and shelter makes our community happier, safer, and more prosperous. Hence, we provide financial support and/or volunteer for local programs in the area of food (e.g., Free Lunch, Table to Table, produce gardens), clothing (e.g., annual winter clothing distribution), and shelter (e.g., Shelter House, Habitat). Volunteering at Habitat is not for everyone, but it has certainly been a great decision for me. Thank you, Jim, for all of your hard work and dedication to not only Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, but also for all your work with the community! We are so thankful for the countless hours you have dedicated to our organization!!
At Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, home starts at the core—the heart of our mission, the center of our community, and the people who make it all possible. This year’s Women Build honors two extraordinary women: Wai Yin Chan and Linda “Digger” Barrow. For decades, they have been a constant presence on our build sites, embodying the spirit and strength of our CORE volunteer team—the Committed, Outstanding, Reliable, and Essential crew who serve as an extension of our staff and mission. As IVHFH Construction Manager Christy Shipley puts it, “They are CORE. They are the ones we count on, in the heat and the snow, week after week. They are the heart of what we do.” And it’s not for recognition, Digger says, “We do what we do for people who don’t have what we have, but they are every bit deserving.”  Linda "Digger" BarrowDigger, a self-taught carpenter with nearly 40 years of remodeling experience, joined Women Build in 2005, when she was recruited by longtime friend Jane Hagedorn. Since then, she’s brought her energy, humor, and fierce heart to nearly every home we’ve built. She admits she didn’t know much about Habitat for Humanity, but what she found was a purpose and a calling. “Habitat is my happy place. I liked being part of a team, combining our individual efforts to build a home for a family who needed one. It has become part of my life’s work.” Since then, Digger has become a fixture on build sites, bringing her skill and her positive energy. She is a member of Zion Lutheran Church, volunteers with their food pantry, and is known for lifting up everyone around her. Whether she’s helping a student athlete wield a nail gun for the first time or leading volunteers with fellow Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity CORE volunteers, Digger brings joy, mentorship, and a fierce commitment to Habitat’s mission. As a CORE volunteer, Digger exemplifies dedication, often saying: “We do what we do for people who don’t have what we have, but they are every bit deserving.” Digger continues to be a leader, mentor, and source of laughter and light on every build site, proving that giving back is a lifelong calling. Wai Yin ChanWai Yin first volunteered after witnessing the devastation of the 2008 Iowa floods, arriving with a broom and never leaving. Volunteering alongside Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, to clean up homes near Iowa City’s City Park ignited a long-term dedication to the organization. What started as flood recovery turned into years of hands-on work in construction, cleanup, and restoration. “I was hooked after working a week with Christy cleaning up houses around the City Park after the 2008 Flood.” Wai Yin has been a quiet, joyful force of care, always doing what needs to be done. Since then, Wai Yin has become a steady presence on the build site. She has helped install roofs, paint interiors, and—true to her character—pick up stray nails for recycling. No task is too small; no act of care is overlooked. “There are days when I do not have any specific assignment. I would pick up a broom or washcloth. I always feel good that the work site looks better for at least a day.” What drives Wai Yin is not recognition, but the simple, powerful motivation of knowing her work helps a family move into a safe and stable home, maybe even a few minutes sooner. “What keeps me coming back is the satisfaction knowing that the homeowner can move in a few minutes earlier.” When she’s not volunteering with Habitat, Wai Yin delivers food for Table to Table, helps at the food bank, or rows on the Iowa River with Hawkeye Community Rowing. Her hands and heart are always at work. Why Wai Yin and Digger?Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Women Build celebrates women who are community-oriented, generous, supportive, and inspire others. Digger and Wai Yin are the embodiment of those values. They show up—not for praise, but because they believe deeply in helping others. Their dedication over decades has shaped the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity community and helped build more than just homes; they’ve built relationships, mentorships, and a lasting impact. Their humor, wisdom, and willingness to do what’s needed, whether framing a wall or picking up a paint roller, remind us that every hand helps, and every volunteer matters. Introducing: The “CORE Build” To honor the team spirit that Digger and Wai Yin have helped create, the 2025 Women Build home will also be known as the “CORE Build.” It's a tribute to the circle of dedicated volunteers who return week after week, year after year—mentors, teachers, friends. Digger told the men who also serve as CORE volunteers both on Habitat’s build sites and in the Iowa City ReStore, “We thought we would name it the CORE Build, so that every time those of you who aren’t poster girls see the word, you will know that we appreciate what you do.”  |
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Our Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Our Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our Values: - Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. - Focus on shelter. - Advocate for affordable housing. - Promote dignity and hope. - Support sustainable and transformative development. |
We welcome all who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live. Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize.
Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith. |
