Habitat Gala Raises Over Half Million Dollars for Affordable Housing

On Thursday evening, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity hosted the annual Framing the Future Gala from inside their early 20^th century woodshop. The event, which welcomed nearly 400 virtual and in-person attendees, raised more than $532k to build safe, affordable housing in our city: a new Framing the Future Gala record.

Framing the Future Gala, presented by BMO Harris Bank, is Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s largest annual fundraiser. The funds raised are crucial to the organization’s work to help local families break down the barriers to first-time homeownership.

Speaking to guests, Gala Chair Jim Borris (President and CEO of Zilber) talked about the impact he’s seen in the community, “One house, one family’s life at a time – and [Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity] does it time, after time, after time again.”

To help set the record, Accunet Mortgage CEO, Brian Wickert, announced a $75,000 challenge match. Generous attendees met – and quickly exceeded – the challenge, leading Milwaukee Habitat to their largest fundraiser in the organization’s history.

During the event, Sargento Cheese was recognized for their 30 year partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. The Wisconsin company became Milwaukee Habitat’s first corporate sponsor in 1992. Since, they’ve sponsored and helped build 35 brand new, affordable homes in Milwaukee. To celebrate the anniversary, Sargento made a donation to pay one year’s mortgage (or tax bill) for Sargento-Habitat homeowners. Watch this video of Sargento CEO, Louie Gentine, surprising two of the families with this generous gift.