“We were overjoyed by the enthusiastic turnout at this year’s event and amazed by the work that was completed,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of HFH GLA. “What these women volunteers accomplished on Saturday was nothing short of remarkable. The volunteers, crew leaders and staff deserve a great deal of credit for what this event has become and what it represents. And, thanks to social media, ‘Power Women Power Tools’ has become a much bigger event, engaging people all over the world!”
More than 200 celebrities, entertainment industry professionals, corporate executives, government officials and event volunteers took part in the 9th Annual “Power Women Power Tools” event with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) held at Sony Pictures Studios on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Volunteers framed 120 walls, which will be used to construct future Habitat for Humanity homes in the community. This year’s volunteers included recognizable names and faces like Tia Carrere, Kristina Guerrero, Shanola Hampton, Mya Harrison, Kate Linder, Missy Peregrym, LA City Councilmember Jan Perry, Tom Shadyac and Alicia Witt.
The all-women build event, first held in 2005 to empower women and bring awareness to the affordable housing crisis, has become a landmark build event for HFH GLA, increasing in popularity every year. “Power Women Power Tools” is also a signature event for Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (HFHFH), the organization’s entertainment industry program. This year’s “Power Women Power Tools” event was sponsored by Lowe’s, Union Bank, Sony Pictures Entertainment & Variety.
Habitat for Humanity has developed a unique design prototype that can be used on multiple sites throughout greater Los Angeles. The 120 walls framed by volunteers at “Power Women Power Tools” will be used for 1,300 sq. feet duplexes that will have 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms for partner homeowners.
HFH GLA partner homeowner, Gloria Alfaro, got volunteers into the building spirit during the morning program by sharing how Habitat for Humanity has changed her life. Volunteers also heard from several supporters including the Hon. Meghan Sahli-Wells, Vice-Mayor of Culver City and the Hon. Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 9th District who both have been instrumental in the plans for a new Habitat neighborhood in Culver City.
However, when HFHFH co-founding member Producer and Director Tom Shadyac introduced partner homeowner Zalikah Templeton and her family during the lunch program, their inspirational story moved the crowd to tears and brought them to their feet for a standing ovation. It was exactly what the women needed to become reenergized for the final hours of the build.
Since 2005, “Power Women Power Tools” has engaged thousands of women from various sectors including corporate, entertainment, education and faith, who have helped build homes both locally and in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf region.
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