Habitat for Humanity celebrated 20 years in Marion County Saturday night.

A special fundraiser featured speakers who played a role in the two decades of the organization, including Craig Kelley, who helped start the local branch of the not-for-profit, Jay Byers, who worked for Congressman Leonard Boswell’s office when the representative helped get the first house built, and the first Habitat home owner in the county Linda O’ Dell. Funds were raised through a silent auction and raffle.

Darrell Sarmento with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County tells KNIA/KRLS News the event aimed to recognize the hard work over the past 20 years of those associated with Habitat and the many volunteers and local partners who played a role in helping 50 families own an affordable home in the county.

“It was so special to get so many people here from the early days of when Habitat started in Marion County, and just to realize all of the sacrifice and generosity and time and energy that went into getting things going,” he says.

Current Habitat Board President Ryan Vos also introduced new Executive Director Robin Pfalzgraf.

“We’re excited that Robin is joining our team as the executive director,” Vos says. “She has a great history in non-profit work and maybe more importantly, the connections she’s built in our communities that we serve will really serve her and Habitat tremendously going forward.”

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County recognized their annual volunteer award winners as part of the evening’s festivities, including:

Businesses of the Year – Ramaeker Screen Printing, Mowbility Sales and Service
Churches of the Year – Pella Church of the Open Bible, Knoxville First United Methodist
Service Partner of the Year – A Call to Serve (ACTS) Ministries
Service Above Self Award – Chaplain at Kevin Glesener at Vermeer
Leadership Achievement Award – Jordan Downing
Individual of the Year – Elsie Kemp
Man of the Hour – Craig Kelley