Photos courtesy of MasterWing Creative Agency
LAKE WORTH BEACH, FL (March 21, 2025) – The power of women united for a cause was on full display as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (Habitat GPBC) hosted its annual WOMEN BUILD fundraiser on March 6th and 7th. Held during Women’s History Month, the sold-out event co-chaired by Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders, brought hundreds of women (and men) together to raise over $600,000 to help build safe, affordable homes for local families.
Over two days, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to put roofs on two new homes, revitalize three existing homes, and complete a community clean up. More than just a fundraiser, Women Build is a movement that empowers women to take an active role in addressing the affordable housing crisis in their community.
“Each year, Women Build reaches new heights, bringing together an unstoppable force of dedicated women who are committed to making a lasting impact,” said Jennifer Thomason, President/CEO of Habitat GPBC. “This event is about more than building homes—it’s about building strength, hope, and opportunity. Through their passion and determination, our women builders are creating transformational change, ensuring more families have the stability and foundation they need to thrive.”
During the lunch program, attendees were deeply moved by the inspiring stories of Judy Noel-Jeune and Tangie Guillaume, two local mothers partnering with Habitat to build a better future for their families. Event co-chairs Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders followed with heartfelt remarks, sharing how their involvement in Women Build has strengthened their commitment to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing.
In addition, the program featured remarks from Sarah Malega of the City of Lake Worth Beach and Palm Beach County Commissioner Christina Lambert, who emphasized the vital role of community support in creating lasting change. Joan Oliva, Executive Director of the Lake Worth Beach CRA, also addressed participants, highlighting the CRA’s commitment to expanding affordable homeownership. Their generous donation of land for these homes is a key part of the partnership that makes events like Women Build possible.
The Women Build 2025 committee was comprised of outstanding community leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. The Co-Chairs are Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders, and the Honorary Chairs are Aimee Craig Carlson and Camille Murphy Kubicek. Legacy Committee Members are Beverly Raphael-Altman, Clara Bennett, Kerry Colvett, Robyn Raphael-Dynan, Sophia Eccleston, Danielle Rosse, and Kelly Smallridge. Committee Members include Tiffany Beekhuysen, Renay Chung, Krysta Fuoco, Andrea Gassner, Lucy Joseph, Erika London, Cristina Marulanda, Christy Maasbach, Tonya Notaro, Kerry O’Neill, Laureen Pannullo, Noelle Tantillo, Teawanna Teal, JP Varvarigos, Varito Vasquez, Mandy Warren, and Lauren Zinn.
Women Build 2025 Sponsors include: BETR Project and Vertical Bridge (Foundation Builder Sponsors); Carrier (Rosie the ReStore Truck Sponsor); Lake Worth Beach CRA (Land Donor); The Seagate (Kick-off Party Sponsor); WPBF 25 (News Media Sponsor); Gator Gypsum and RCC Associates (Hard Hat Sponsors); SFBW (Annual Magazine Sponsor); Akel Homes, Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, Moraca Builders, Suffolk, and United Way Palm Beach County (Home Builder Sponsors); Boca Raton Airport Authority (Refreshment Sponsor); Campany Roofing (R & R Tent Sponsor); LocaliQ (Media Sponsor); Wellington Florist (Annual Florals Sponsor); The Colony Hotel (Spotlight Sponsor); Gunster, JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture, Palm Beach Fancy, Pioneer Linens, PulteGroup, and The Hesse Family (Community Builder Sponsors); Periwinkle, Morley, and Coco & Co (Fashion Show Sponsor); Padel Club (Rosé & Play Sponsor); First Female (Annual Artist Sponsor); Barel of Monks Brewing and Notorious Wines (Cheers and Spirits Sponsors); Grimes Events and Party Tents, Hedrick Brothers Construction, Humana, James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, Oceans234, Plastridge Insurance, Seacoast Bank, The YMCA of South Palm Beach County, and The Scout Guide Palm Beach (Hope Builder Sponsors); PYRA Promotions (Apparel Sponsor); Magen Protective Services (Annual Security Sponsor); WLRN (Media Partner); and Chick-Fill-A The Mall at Wellington Green and Chick-Fill-A Royal Palm Beach (Gift Card Sponsors).
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is a 501©(3) organization and an affiliate of a global nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International. Our mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1986, we have built 436 new homes, revitalized 765 existing homes, and partnered with over 1,200 households in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing in Palm Beach County. Habitat homeowners apply to qualify for the program, then help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, and shopping or donating to any of our five ReStore-Thrift Store & Donation centers, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To discover more, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org and follow us online at @HabitatGPBC.
For any inquiries, contact Kristen Bardin, Director of Advancement, at [email protected].
