"Rock the House" to raise funds for home renovations

(Originally published in the 11/11/15 edition)

   Rebuilding Together Solano County and the Vallejo Veterans will be partnering once again to present the 6th Annual Renovatin’ Rocks the House joint fundraiser Friday. The proceeds will help Rebuilding Together continue its mission of renovating homes for low-income households.

   Elizabeth Hoffman, executive director of Rebuilding Together, says the event was created to bring attention to the group’s mission.

   “We wanted to do an annual fundraiser in which we can highlight what we do, which is renovation for low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners,” she said. 

   As in past years, the event will feature a dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. The dinner will feature dishes from several local restaurants, including Venticello’s Ristorante, Sandoval’s Mexican Food, Robert’s China Garden and Nine O Seven Grill in Benicia and Pasta Pomodoro and Buttercup Grill & Bar in Vallejo. 

   The auctions will allow attendees to bid on a variety of items, including queen bedspreads and various furniture. 

   “The funds raised from the event go directly into our projects for next year,” Hoffman said.

   The event coordinators are still looking for volunteers to help before, during and after the event.

   “Volunteers are helping us set up the event, so we’re at Vallejo Veteran’s Hall this whole week,” Hoffman said. “We’re also going to be here after the event on Saturday, so we’re also looking for volunteers to help us with that.”

   “People can also make a financial contribution,” she added. “The seats are almost sold out, but if people are still interested in coming, they can give us a call, and we can see if there’s still seats available.”

   Ultimately, Hoffman wants the event to pull in more funds than ever before.

   “It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” she said. “Last year, we raised a little over $30,000 for our projects. “Our ultimate goal is to beat what we did last year, so we’re hoping to raise a little over $30,000 again this year.”

   Renovatin’ Rocks the House will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Vallejo Veterans Memorial Building, located at 420 Admiral Callahan Lane. Tickets cost $35 per person with reserved tables for eight costing $240. If you can not attend the event but would still like to donate, visit RebuildingTogetherSolanoCounty.org and fill out the flier.