Habitat for Humanity of Durham to Close 40th Anniversary with Pillars of Promise Gala, Full House Casino Night and $100,000 Fundraising Goal

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October 15, 2026

Habitat for Humanity of Durham to Close 40th Anniversary with Pillars of Promise Gala, Full House Casino Night and $100,000 Fundraising Goal

Two experiences. One mission. One unforgettable evening celebrating 40 years of affordable housing and community impact.

DURHAM, N.C. — Habitat for Humanity of Durham is rolling out the crimson carpet and inviting the community to celebrate four decades of building homes, strengthening neighborhoods and creating opportunity.

On Friday, December 11, 2026, Durham Habitat will host its Pillars of Promise Gala: Built for What’s Next, followed by Full House Casino Night: From Black Tie to Blackjack, at the Duke Hilton on Hillsborough in Durham.

Together, the events will help the organization pursue an ambitious $100,000 fundraising goal to close out its 40th Anniversary and support its mission of building and preserving affordable housing throughout Durham.

The evening begins with the Pillars of Promise Gala, featuring an elegant celebration of the families, volunteers, business leaders, faith partners and community supporters who have helped shape Durham Habitat’s legacy.

Gala doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the formal program running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

At 8:00 p.m., guests may transition from black tie to blackjack as Full House Casino Night opens its doors. Casino-style games begin at 8:30 p.m. and continue until 11:00 p.m., bringing a spirited close to an evening of generosity, celebration and community.

“We have spent 40 years raising walls, opening doors and helping families create a foundation they can build their lives upon,” said Nimasheena Burns, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Durham. “Now we are asking Durham to raise the roof with us one more time — not simply to celebrate what we have accomplished, but to invest in everything that comes next. The real winning hand is a safe home, a stronger neighborhood and a family with the opportunity to build lasting stability.”

Founded in 1985 through a partnership of 24 Durham congregations, Habitat for Humanity of Durham has built nearly 500 homes and helped preserve existing affordable housing through close to 1,000 home repairs over four decades.

The organization continues to address the growing need for affordable homeownership while helping longtime residents remain safely in the homes and neighborhoods they love.

The celebration’s signature message, “The House Always Wins When the House Is a Home,” reflects Habitat’s belief that lasting community investment is measured not simply in dollars, but in the stability and opportunity families gain through housing.

Guests can support the mission through event tickets, sponsorships and charitable contributions.

Event and ticket information

Friday, December 11, 2026
Duke Hilton on Hillsborough, Durham, North Carolina

Tickets are available at:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/secondannualpresidentsgala

Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are also available. Interested partners may contact development@durhamhabitat.org.

“This anniversary is not simply about looking back,” Burns added. “It’s about making sure the next generation of Durham residents has an opportunity to build wealth, create memories, and call this community home. We are built for what’s next, and we invite all of Durham to help us build it.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Durham has partnered with local families, volunteers and community supporters to build and preserve decent, affordable homes. Through affordable homeownership, critical home repairs and homeowner education, Durham Habitat works to create a community where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.

Learn more at www.durhamhabitat.org.

Media and Sponsorship Contact
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Development Team
development@durhamhabitat.org
919-682-0516