Richmond, Virginia (September 7, 2006) - Virginia First Lady Anne Holton cohosted the “A night with the Better Halves,” fundraiser to benefit the Richmond Metro Habitat for Humanity. She joined Cessie Howell, Amy Frederick, Rose Ann Janis and Abby Shannon, wives of Virginia House Delegates, in supporting the local work of the organization to help provide homeownership opportunities to area families.

“Homeownership contributes to building stronger and more united communities,” Holton said. “The work that Richmond Habitat helps to create a sense of pride that more low-income families are now able achieve because of its efforts which is the foundation for brighter future for us and our children.”

"Families need homes, and no group does a better job than Habitat in empowering low-income families to break the cycle of poverty by leading them to home ownership,” Amy Frederick, wife of Delegate Jeff Frederick, who is spearheading the event. “This is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community that hosts our spouses each year during the General Assembly session, and to honor the Capitol City of our great Commonwealth."

The event raised close to $50,000, which is necessary to build a Richmond Habitat home. It marked the beginning of the effort to collect enough funds for the home that is planned to be constructed by Richmond Habitat in Spring 2007.

“It feels great to know that an organization that focuses on providing housing for low-income families is supported by diverse groups, from major corporations and religious congregations, to statewide leaders such as the spouses of members of the House of Delegates and Virginia Fist Lady, Anne Holton,” Kathy Garvin, Executive Director of Richmond Habitat, said. “Richmond Habitat’s mission of eliminating substandard housing seems to effortlessly bring people together. Richmond Habitat staff can’t wait to partner with these women who want to help change the housing trends of local families.”

For more information on Richmond Habitat visit www.richmondhabitat.org.Richmond Habitat changes lives by making it possible for families to realize the dream of homeownership. We join forces with Richmond area, low-income working families, local companies and volunteers to build decent, modest homes that families can afford to buy through interest free mortgages we provide. We are a hand-up, not a handout.