Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Thanks to everyone that helped make this year’s Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala the most successful fundraising event in Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity history. We were able to raise over $300,000 with over 500 people in attendance through corporate sponsorships, our live and silent auctions and generous donations from our supporters. The evening culminated with Gary Gardner and Gwen Leifeld accepting our 2008 Community Builder Award for their leadership in designing Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness Program. 

Gardner and Leifeld were the driving force in creating A Brush with Kindness, a Twin Cities Habitat program that preserves affordable homeownership by providing painting, landscaping and minor repairs to low-income homeowners.

Leifeld's philanthropic involvement currently includes her role as director of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) and member of the MRCC Board Quality of life Award Committee.  She also served on Twin Cities Habitat's Human Resource Committee for a number of years.  Leifeld continues to stay active in the community volunteering with the Children's Home Society Befriender Program, and other local organizations.

Besides being one of the pioneers of A Brush with Kindness Gary Gardner was nominated by his peers for the Valspar Elite Award for his quality work and commitment to excellence.  In his spare time Gardner serves as a board member for the Minnesota Chorale and also enjoys his role as a singer for the group.

Contributed by Patrick Dunn

Photos contributed by Valspar