At our annual fundraising gala, the Wasatch Back community showed its dedication to affordable housing. Our 2026 Habitat for Humanity Overall Ball raised more than $400,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties. That’s 40% more than any previous Overall Ball, and it’s enough to fund the equivalent value of one Habitat home build. This achievement felt especially meaningful because Habitat homeowners and prospective homeowners were in the room, proof of what this investment makes possible.
On June 20, 216 attendees came together at the spectacular Montage Deer Valley for a cocktail hour, dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction, all to help ensure our local workforce has access to safe, affordable housing and the opportunity to build a stronger future through homeownership.
The Heart of the Evening
One of the evening’s most memorable and moving moments came when a local family of Habitat homeowners took the stage. Through a short video and a question-and-answer session with Habitat’s Executive Director, Shellie Barrus, the homeowners, both employees of Deer Valley Resort who’ve lived in their Habitat home for 13 years, shared how homeownership has provided long-term stability for their family and transformed their lives.
Several other Habitat homeowners were also recognized during the evening. They volunteered at the event to complete the “sweat equity” hours required as part of our Homeownership Program. Their presence brought Habitat’s mission to life and provided a powerful testament to Habitat’s model of partnership and community investment.
That connection resonated throughout the room, particularly with Habitat Board President Walt Bennett, who noted that he and his wife work at Deer Valley part-time and found it meaningful to see fellow employees among the families benefiting from our work.
An Exciting Live Auction
The Habitat for Humanity Overall Ball live auction always brings enthusiastic bidding for one-of-a-kind experiences. Highlights included a chef’s table experience at the Alpinist in Park City, a Deer Creek home getaway accommodating up to 20 guests, a gin-making experience at Alpine Distilling, and a seven-night stay in Mexico that drew 20 participants as a special fundraising opportunity.
Honoring a Community Builder: Bill Coleman
We honored Bill Coleman with the Golden Hammer Award in recognition of his years of service and dedication, which have made a lasting difference for families across the Wasatch Back. As a Realtor and long-time supporter of Habitat, Coleman has played a vital role in identifying and securing properties that have enabled us to build homes throughout the community.
Why the Overall Ball Matters
Funds raised through the annual Habitat for Humanity Overall Ball do more than build homes; they lay the foundation for families’ long-term success through affordable homeownership. To be eligible for our homeownership program, families must earn 60% or less of the Area Median Income, well below the regional average in what is one of Utah’s most expensive housing markets. We follow guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure homeowners spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs, which include a mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
Proceeds from the event also support our financial education classes, homeownership preparation courses, and other resources that help families achieve long-term housing stability.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We would like to express deep gratitude to our event sponsors, donors, board members, volunteers, and supporters, whose generosity directly supports affordable housing for our local workforce. Montage Deer Valley served as our host sponsor, and the Park City Board of Realtors returned as our Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year.
Additional support came from the Mountainside Resort Foundation, Canyons Village Management Association, America First Credit Union, Jaffa Group, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Deer Valley Resort, Vail Resorts – Epic Promise, Law Elevated, and the Park City Area Homebuilders Association.
Join Us
We hope you’ll join us at next year’s Overall Ball. Until then, make a donation to help more local families transform their lives through the benefits of affordable homeownership.
