Money collected this weekend will help build a new home for a family.

The Eastern Habitat for Humanity and the Coles County Habitat for Humanity will host the second annual Habitat for Humanity dinner and dance fundraiser Saturday.

“The proceeds will go primarily to the Eastern’s chapter’s effort to develop

the financial base to sponsor and build a house for a family in Coles County,” said Rich Wandling, board president of CCHFH. “The Eastern students are looking forward to another ‘House that EIU Built’ initiative.”

Eastern’s chapter hopes to build its second house in Coles County within the next six or seven years.

“If our ultimate goal is reached, EIUHFH will be able to provide funds for half of the cost of a house for a deserving family in Coles County,” said Paula Cler, a junior political science major and member of Eastern’s chapter.

The group’s ultimate goal is $30,000 to $35,000.

A majority of the money raised each year is used mainly for building costs, said Cindy Roberts, CCHFH office manager.

“The average house costs about $60,000 to build,” Roberts said. “We are hoping to build three houses this year.”

The habitat groups are non-profit organizations governed by a volunteer board and are supported by contributions of donors and volunteers, who build homes around Coles County for needy families.

“To people not involved in Habitat, I would encourage them to join; it is a great opportunity to help out those in the community, yet it is a ‘help up’ instead of a ‘hand out,’ as the future homeowners work alongside us,” said Chelsea Hand, committee member for HFH.

Working with HFH is rewarding, Cler said.

“This past fall, I had the opportunity to work with two of the most enthusiastic families on their new homes,” she said. “It is amazing to witness the amazing sense of community at the build site.”

Wandling believes at least 70 students will take part in the fundraiser.

“We had a successful first time last year, and it is gratifying to see that the students in the Eastern chapter are so committed to having this event become a regular part of Habitat for Humanity events in Coles County,” Wandling said.

This year’s dinner and dance fundraiser will have a Mardi Gras theme and will take place Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. at 7th Street Underground in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Tickets are $25 for faculty and staff and $20 for students with their Panther Card.

Krista Henery can be reached at 581-7945 or at knhenery@eiu.edu.