Who would have thought that a charity ball would lead me to a great way to serve our community? That’s exactly what happened to me with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity.

In March 2016, my wife and I were invited to attend the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Masquerade Ball. We had never been to a formal charity ball before, so we figured there has to be a first time for everything! We went and we had a blast!

During the event, I was asked by a current board member if I had any interest in joining the board of directors. I said I was interested. Soon after, I was interviewed and selected to be a board member.

I have been on the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity board of directors for a little over a year now. I really enjoy it. Recently, I was added to the executive committee within the board of directors.

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity partners with homebuyers, volunteers, donors, businesses and community organizations to build affordable homes. Houses are sold at a no-profit rate with no-interest mortgages to qualified home buyers. Here in Loudoun, 30 homes have been built or renovated so far.

I have been to home dedications, home ground breakings, team builds, ReStore donation days, ReStore shopping (for our office!), numerous board meetings, and ReStore task force meetings. The organization has a lot going on!

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores that sell building materials, furniture, appliances—and much more—at discounted prices. Loudoun Habitat ReStores accept donated items from individuals and local businesses then resell them to the public at discounted prices. It is one of the places that we haul unwanted items to when our junk removal customers want to donate items.

The most rewarding part of being a part of Loudoun Habitat for Humanity is going to a home dedication ceremony and watching a hardworking family take ownership of a home. It is a truly remarkable experience and one that makes it all worthwhile!