North Carolina Fundraiser Brings In $63K for Affordable Homes

When eight teams gathered at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone, North Carolina on June 2nd, they weren't just celebrating the end of a competition. They were celebrating $63,138 raised to help local families afford their own homes.

The Big Cheese Fundraiser wrapped up its 12th year with VPC Builders taking home top honors in both team and individual categories. Team member Lindsey Royle alone raised $16,550, leading her team to a $22,485 total that secured their second win since 2024.

For two months starting April 1st, 29 individuals across eight teams competed to raise the most money for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. Ben Wesemann of Arrow Works Custom Homes came in second with $10,125, while Ben Coillot from Perry Built Homes raised $5,925 for third place.

The money goes directly toward building homes for families earning between 40% and 70% of the area's median income. These aren't handouts, they're hand ups: families buy their homes with zero percent interest mortgages over 30 years.

Since the Big Cheese Fundraiser started, it has raised over $521,000 total. That kind of sustained support has helped Watauga Habitat build 36 homes so far, with number 37 currently under construction.

The Ripple Effect

Every dollar raised creates waves far beyond a single house. When a family moves into an affordable home, kids get stable neighborhoods for school, parents save money for emergencies instead of rent increases, and entire communities grow stronger.

The competition brought together home builders, college sororities and fraternities, local restaurants, and realty groups. High Country Home Builders raised nearly $20,000, while even smaller teams like The Cardinal Food and Spirits and Lost Province Brewing Company jumped in to help.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery hosted the finale celebration, where donations were accepted until 7:45 p.m. and winners were announced at 8:00 p.m. Director of Development Nathan Godwin thanked all competitors, donors, and supporters who made the night possible.

For families struggling to find housing they can actually afford, this friendly competition means everything: a safe place to call home, built with their own hands and the support of neighbors who care.