JIM LUKSIC
News-Leader
Oct. 26 was “hammer time” for First Coast Habitat for Humanity’s annual She Nailed It! fundraiser.
The community-led crusade raised $80,000 for housing programs throughout Nassau County.
Kevin Collison, the nonprofit’s vice president of marketing and communications, said it was a “fun, easy” way to help others. A total of 27 all-women relay teams participated.
The winning team, dubbed Amazonian Anvils, included Kariana Haynes, Joanna Yates, Tiffany Messer and Gina Maloney. They received gold hammers.
“One of the teams was led by a Habitat homeowner,” Collison noted. “Women truly showed their strength and empowered others to achieve the dream of homeownership in Nassau County.”
He specified that all net revenue funds First Coast’s homeowner program in the county, enabling the organization to purchase land, materials, to cover closing costs, and to provide down-payment assistance and other financial support enabling eligible workers and their families to own an affordable home.
The nonprofit currently has five homes under construction in Fernandina Beach and is looking for land in the Yulee area, according to Collison.
Cindy Jacoby, the event’s emcee and a former Nassau Habitat board member, was involved with She Nailed It! for the fourth time in as many years.
“It’s fun and unique, as the contest includes all women,” she said.
The afternoon affair featured two Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleaders, food vendors, plus live music courtesy of local band Andria Shinn and the Loyal Souls.
Mary Book, Nassau Community Engagement coordinator, explained that another Habitat for Humanity affiliate based in Pennsylvania initiated She Nailed It!
“They generously shared their expertise with us and have supported our event ever since,” Book said. “It is truly a unique event that engages the community in the fundraising and on-stage competition, creating awareness about our mission to build affordable homes in our community.”