Local Women’s Group Invites Fauquier County, Va. Community To Run And Drink Wine— For A Cause

Oct. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- WARRENTON, Va. – When do running a 10K and drinking wine go together? When a local group of dedicated women volunteers are pulling out the stops to raise money for local families in need.

Fauquier Women Build, a local group that dedicates its time to raise money for Fauquier Habitat for Humanity, is holding two events in October as part of a targeted fund-raising effort. The goal: turn the dream of homeownership for two Fauquier families into reality.

The first event, the second-annual Women Build race being held October 17 at Fauquier High School, is actually several events in one, explained Women Build committee member Tammy Roop.

“This year’s race is unique in that we are offering a 10K run, a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run,” said Roop, who heads up Fauquier Women Build’s fundraising committee. “Last year, when we held just the 5K, we had some entrants request a 10K. So we added it, along with the one-mile event. This year, we should have something for everyone.”

For the second straight year, Warrenton’s Old Town Athletic Club is co-sponsoring the event alongside Fauquier Women Build. Old Town Athletic Club Owner Kim Forsten said the decision to keep supporting the race was simple: she believes in the cause.

“I value and respect the process that Habitat for Humanity has implemented to help families in need,” Forsten said. “Habitat for Humanity candidates must go through a rigorous selection process, which I believe is the foundation that makes the program so successful. The family’s need for housing is assessed, the ability to repay a mortgage is both determined and required, and the willingness of the family to partner with Habitat is necessary to create a sense of ownership. Families are both supported and held accountable, which is a win-win for everyone.”

Two weeks after the road races, Fauquier Women Build will host its inaugural Spooktacular Soup and Wine Sunday, October 31, at Warrenton’ Molon Lave Vineyards. The event, which runs from 12 noon to 5 p.m., will feature wine tastings, food from Warrenton establishments, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $15.

“Molon Lave graciously offered us its location and wine for tasting,” Roop said. “This event will be a great way for everyone to try a local wine, have soup and bread from local businesses, enjoy live music and even participate in a Halloween costume contest, all for a wonderful cause.”

All proceeds of both events will go toward Fauquier Women Build’s goal of raising the $75,000 it needs to complete construction of one unit of a duplex that will become a home for a family in Warrenton. The family has successfully completed Habitat for Humanity’s multi-step qualification and pre-home ownership education processes, and is ready to make the inaugural mortgage payments on their new home.

For registration information for the 10K/5K/Fun Run and additional information on the Spooktacular Soup and Wine Sunday, see http://www.fauquierhabitat.org or call (540) 270 9409.

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About Fauquier Women Build: Women Build is Habitat’s volunteer program for women who want to learn construction skills and make a difference by building homes and communities. The mission of Habitat’s Women Build program is to enable U.S. and international affiliates to recruit, educate and nurture women to build—and advocate for—simple, decent and affordable houses.

About Fauquier Habitat for Humanity: Fauquier Habitat for Humanity (http://www.fauquierhabitat.org) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It works with the Fauquier and Rappahannock County communities to eliminate poverty housing. Since 1991, it has built 40 homes and rehabilitated several others for deserving families. Like all Habitat recipients, Fauquier Habitat families pass a detailed qualification process, participate in continuing education, and put hundreds of hours of labor into their houses. Once moved in, they make mortgage payments and remain in Habitat’s education program.