The Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity held its Gala and fund raiser last Friday night at 701 Whaley Street.

Around 200 people pledged $640,512, which topped last year’s total by over $100,000.

Some of the money raised will go towards building and renovating houses in the Broad Acres neighborhood in Cayce and West Lexington behind LMC in Lexington.

Attendees waited excitedly to hear from NFL star Joe Theismann, local dignitaries and Habitat homeowners.

Master of ceremonies Louis Fawcett from the National Association of Non-profit Organizations and Executives kicked off the program with remarks about the hope that Habitat brings to communities, like in Cayce and Lexington.

All were treated to a short video of Executive Director Roy Kramer riding through the Broad Acres neighborhood in Cayce where many houses have been built and others have been restored in the last 3 years.

Cayce Mayor Elise Par-ton spoke about how much the neighborhood has come together as a “community” and how important that is for the Midlands.

Director of Public Safety, Byron Snelgrove said it is changing for the better, and crime has dropped significantly in that time.

Both agreed that Habitat is responsible those changes.

Joe Theismann used examples from his personal life and NFL career to talk about being humbled and serving others.

The audience heard from 3 Habitat homeowners about how their lives have been permanently changed.

Mike and Susan Mitton from Lexington received the annual Habitat Hero Award.

Roy Kramer and Wade McGuinn, Board member and owner of McGuinn Hybrid Homes, shared thoughts about the Hope Habit brings to people.