Olympia, WA—On August 15, 2026, nearly 200 attendees gathered at Port Plaza in Olympia for Habitat Gala, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraising event. Presented by Olympia Federal Savings, the cocktails-into-dinner and auction gathered businesses and community members for heartwarming stories, inspiring moments of connection, and the opportunity to build affordable homeownership opportunities in our region.

Hosted by KING 5 Evening’s Chris Cashman, the event featured speaker Elizabeth Walker, CEO of South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity; Janine Ezzell, Chair of the Board of Directors and Account Manager, Chicago Title; and homebuyer and advocate Bethany.

CEO Elizabeth Walker shared with guests that homeownership is out of reach for too many in our community. As the median home price in Thurston County moves north of $500,000, purchasing a home on an income of $50,000 or $75,000 is not feasible. For the income range served by South Puget Sound Habitat, Thurston County-projects the need for 8,270 new homes by 2045.

Throughout the cocktail hour and evening, guests were immersed in sea-themed décor, alongside a champagne-pouring acrobat, bubbleologist, and contact-juggler from Bellingham-based Cirque Cadia, and guitarist Mark Wand.

Returning for the second year, Nicole’s Bar provided unique signature cocktails and mocktails, while longtime South Puget Sound Habitat supporter Masonry Café laid the table with a bountiful meal created for the seaside setting.

Raising the tension was the “golden geoduck,” a raffle that would award the winner an auction item of their choice. Auction items included themed packages from local businesses as well as local and international excursions. By the end of the warm summer evening, guests raised more than $140,000 to support affordable homeownership in our community.