Each year since 1988, Habitat Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) has honored individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond the call to support and sustain the organization’s work with its Second Mile Award. On April 6, 2024, at the tropical-themed extravaganza “Set Sail to Habitat Island” held at the Woodway Country Club in Darien, Harlan and HMTX Industries were presented with this accolade for their support of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide much-needed affordable housing in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Over 220 supporters attended the sold-out fundraiser.
Harlan and his wife Sabina started their involvement with Habitat CFC in 2017 after Sabina attended a Women Build volunteer day and since then, they along with HMTX have been staunch advocates. They have volunteered, provided financial support, and partnered with the affiliate to assure that all the homes built within the chapter’s network receive HMTX’s high quality flooring for homeowners to enjoy for years to come.
First Selectman Bill Gerber of Fairfield, CT, acknowledged Harlan and HMTX’s many contributions in a letter read at the gala, noting, “Harlan is an outstanding role model who instills the value of helping others in his employees at HTMX and generously supplies flooring to Habitat homes. In addition to running a successful business, Harlan finds it equally important to serve on Habitat’s Asia Pacific Development Council. A long-time Habitat for Humanity supporter, HTMX has made invaluable contributions as a leading sponsor of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project involving more than 75 HMTX employee-volunteers.”
Reflecting on the evening’s significance, Harlan said, “This is what God intended for us – to not think about ourselves but to think about other people. To help other people, give them hope, and give them a chance to succeed because every human being must be valued.”
The proceeds from the evening will support Habitat CFC’s mission to build community and improve lives by partnering with low-income families, volunteers, and donors to build decent and affordable homes in stable and welcoming neighborhoods in Coastal Fairfield County.
