Stephanie’s Birthday Builds

Stephanie began volunteering with Tacoma Habitat when she was a student at the University of Puget Sound more than a decade ago. After college, she continued to be involved through Women Build and one of Habitat’s newer programs, Birthday Build. We recently caught up with Stephanie to ask her what she thinks about this unique way of celebrating her birthday.

How many years have you participated in Birthday Build? 

I have three plastic hard hats (2019, 2020, and 2022). It would be four if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t interfered.

What keeps you coming back to Habitat for Humanity?

I love the mission of Habitat for Humanity and I love that by volunteering on the construction site, my friends and I are learning valuable life skills. Habitat for Humanity has taught me how to install windows, how far apart studs should be in the walls, painting techniques, how to install tile and hardwood floors and, this year, we learned how to lay sod. How cool is that?

What have your friends had to say about your unique birthday parties?

My friends love the opportunity to volunteer for my birthday. It’s always been great exercise (we’re runners, so cross training is important to us), supporting a wonderful cause, while learning new skills, and a celebration with great people all wrapped up in one event. That’s a win-win-win-win for everyone.

Birthday Builds start at $250. The birthday person can pay themselves or invite guests to make donations to Habitat in lieu of bringing a gift. Tacoma Habitat supplies a birthday cake, t-shirts for the guests, and the coveted plastic hard hat that guests are invited to sign. To book your special day, please contact us. 

Over the years, Stephanie’s birthday builds have raised close to $1,000 to support Habitat’s mission of providing affordable housing opportunities in Pierce County.