Boston University’s Habitat for Humanity chapter shook the shingles at their second annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser Friday.
About 150 people attended this year’s fundraiser, which was held at Jacob Sleeper Auditorium. The group raised just over $900, about $200 more than last year.
“Recently, there were a lot of foreclosures in Boston,” said College of Arts and Sciences junior and fundraising team member Rebecca Smyth. “Habitat for Humanity is looking to help.”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing organization. Their goal is to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families around the world, according to their website.
BU’s chapter raises money to sponsor the BU Habitat House in Dorchester. The Dorchester neighborhood has had 15 foreclosed homes in an eight-block radius. These houses attract vandals and the general aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood has significantly declined, according to BU’s Habitat for Humanity website.
Over the past three years, the BU chapter raised $40,000 out of the $50,000 they need to reach their goal. They hope to buy up to eight of the 15 foreclosed houses, renovate them and sell them to families in need with an affordable, interest-free mortgage, their website says.
The group promoted the event through flyers across campus and Facebook.
The fundraiser kicked off with an introduction about what Habitat for Humanity strives to achieve.
The speech was followed by comedic acts such as Liquid Fun and musical performances by the Allegrettos and BosTones.
During the show’s intermission, students raced toward the free food provided by Panera Bread, Dominos Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts and Upper Crust Pizzeria.
The show concluded with performances by BU On Broadway and the Treble Makers.
Students said they enjoyed the show because of the performances and the cause.
“The groups that performed were really good,” said CAS junior Brittney Shillan who came to support her roommate, an active member of Habitat for Humanity.
“I have friends that are involved and I came to support them,” said CAS freshman Hannah Freedman. “I had a great time.”
“I think it was really well-organized and was for a good cause,” said College of Communication freshman Elizabeth Olenski.
The fundraiser ended with a raffle, with prizes such as free Panera Bread for a year.
The organization hopes to make the fundraiser a yearly tradition.
“We want to do it every year,” Smyth said. “We are looking for it to become like Splash, the thing to do in the spring instead of the fall.”
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