Matt Nahan of orsa foundation to keynote Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan Annual Dinner
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ALPENA -- Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan (Habitat NEMI) today announced that Matt Nahan, executive director of orsa foundation, will serve as the keynote speaker at Habitat NEMI's 2026 Annual Dinner on Friday, Oct. 9.
This unique experience will feature elk viewing carriage rides past new Habitat homes in Hillman, followed by Thunder Bay Resort's signature gourmet dinner at the resort's Lodge in the woods. The event will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. This annual fundraiser brings together donors, community partners, local business leaders, and volunteers to celebrate the organization's work and inspire continued investment in affordable housing across Northeast Michigan.
"We are deeply honored that Matt Nahan will join us for this important evening," said Ted Fines, executive director of Habitat NEMI. "His commitment to strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy speaks directly to the heart of our mission. His presence sends a powerful message that the private philanthropic community stands with rural Michigan families -- and that affordable housing is an investment worth making."
"Habitat Northeast Michigan is a shining example of how partnership drives impact," Nahan said. "It is an honor to walk alongside Ted and the team, supporting their hustle and vision through our giving, our h-Ope! first-time homebuyer mortgages, and even construction financing."
In addition to serving as executive director of the orsa foundation, Nahan is the assistant vice president of social impact for orsa credit union, which has a local branch in Hillman.
"Developers across the state are struggling, while Ted and the team at Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan are making strides, acquiring land and building affordable homes in some of Michigan's most rural counties," Nahan said. "We've walked alongside Ted and the team for over three years and I'm consistently in awe. We are honored to be part of their story."
Nahan looks forward to the Oct. 9 event, where he will join with Habitat families, volunteers, and donors who are making affordable housing a reality in Northeast Michigan.
The Annual Dinner is Habitat NEMI's premier fundraising event of the year. Proceeds support the construction of new affordable homes and the expansion of critical repair services for families throughout Northeast Michigan. This year, Habitat NEMI is on track to build 8-10 new homes while expanding its Critical Home Repair program to serve even more households facing unsafe or deteriorating conditions.
Tickets to the Habitat NEMI Annual Dinner are $150 each, which includes the elk carriage tour, gourmet dinner, wine tasting, and an unforgettable experience. Only 100 dinner tickets will be sold, so get yours soon to save your seat. The event will also include a mystery silent auction with riddle clues teasing the items up for bidding.
In addition, raffle tickets are on sale now for $10 each or 5 for $40. First prize is a custom deer blind, 2nd prize is a $500 gift certificate to Royston Guns & Ammo, and 3rd prize is $250 cash. You do not need to be present to win. The raffle drawing will be held at 8 p.m. at the dinner. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Habitat NEMI ReStore or office.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Oct. 9 dinner are available by contacting Habitat NEMI at (989) 354-5555 or darby.hinkley@habitatnemi.org or jennifer.nestell@habitatnemi.org. Dinner tickets can be purchased online at www.habitatnemi.org/fundraising or in person at the Habitat NEMI office, 2630 U.S.-23, Alpena.
Habitat NEMI serves the largest geographic footprint of any Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the nation, covering 6,630 square miles across five rural counties: Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle. Since its founding in 1989, the organization has built more than 200 homes and each year serves more than 100 families through its Critical Home Repair programs, which address urgent safety and health needs for low-income homeowners across the region.