Randolph, NJ:  If you love music there’s an upcoming event just for you!  As part of the Morris Habitat’s 8th Annual Hearts & Hammers Gala, silent auction items will include items from some of the top names in the music industry.  There will be a Fender guitar signed by the Jonas Brothers, autographed CD’s or photographs from Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Jewel, Boney James, Fun Nights and more.  Additionally, there will be a package of items from Michael Buble that includes an autographed Hugo Boss tie worn on his 2010/2011 "Crazy Love Tour", , a cd and autographed "Crazy Love Tour" program..  As if that wasn’t enough there will be show tickets galore to the Broadway Comedy Club, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Dangerfields, and more.  Early bidding on the Jonas Brothers guitar is now taking place at the ReStore, 274 South Salem Ave., Randolph, during business hours.  Come on in, see the guitar, and place your bid!

The gala will be held at the elegant Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph on Saturday, February 23^rd.  A lavish cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with a variety of delicious stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. Later, guests will enjoy a spectacular dinner accompanied by the talents of local music legend Tropical Storm. The evening will end with delectable desserts and a chocolate fountain. Those interested in attending may register by mail or online at www.morrishabitat.org.

Other donations have also been received for the auction and the items are varied.  An autographed Jet’s football, a weekend in Boston with tickets to a Red Sox game was donated by Normandy Real Estate Partners, a foursome at the Trump National Golf Club, 12 bottles of imported German wine donated by BASF, a Fuxico purse made by one of Morris Habitat’s new homeowners, and a cordless drill from Summit True Value Hardware. In addition, there are many gift certificates for local restaurants and hotel stays. Morris Habitat plans to build 80 new homes over the next few years. These 80 families will go on to be vibrant members of the communities where they live, paying taxes, visiting local businesses and often giving back by helping others in need.  This year Morris Habitat has set a goal of raising $200,000 from the gala.  Every dollar raised helps local hardworking families achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Many generous sponsors have stepped forward to join the Premier Sponsor BASF.  They include Platinum Sponsorship from Weichert Financial Services; Gold Sponsorships from North Central Jersey Association of Realtors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Skyline Steel, Drinker Biddle, and Normandy Real Estate Partners; Silver Sponsorships from Atlantic Health Systems, Fox Rothschild, Lakeland Bank, Madison Affordable Housing Corporation, Morris County Affordable Housing Authority, Summit Affordable Housing Corporation, New York Life Investments, Sean & Betsy Monaghan, Peter & Diane Wentworth, Ruth Ryan, Don & Teeny Kuhn, and Richard A. Sleece; Classic Sponsorships from MNT Creative, New Jersey Natural Gas, Seth Leeb, Somerset Hills Bank, American Institute of Architects – Newark & Suburban Section, and NK Architects; and Entertainment Sponsorship from Longo Electric, and Journal Sponsorship from Investor’s Bank.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and silent auction items are still being accepted!  Please consider contributing to support Morris Habitat for Humanity by providing a gift card, certificate, or service to the auction.  If you would like to contribute, contact Development Associate, Kathy Ritchey at 973.891.1934 for details.

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About Morris Habitat for Humanity  

Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in partnership with families in need.  Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 249 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. In addition, proceeds from our ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 6 homes and diverted over 2,000 tons of useable material out of landfills.  For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934 or visit www.morrishabitat.org

About Morris Habitat ReStore

Operated by Morris Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore sells donated building supplies and furnishings at huge savings off normal retail costs. Proceeds from the store have funded the construction of 8 houses since 2007 and kept more than 3,000 tons of material out of landfills. Information on donating, volunteering, or any other aspect of the ReStore can be found on its website at www.morrisrestore.org or by calling (973) 366-3358.

Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday and Friday 10-6, Thursday until 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10-5.  Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.