In recognition of 30 years of helping families in this part of the state, Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut's annual fundraiser is going the extra mile with an array of first-rate auction items.

Weekend getaways, contractor services, sumptuous meals, and more will be up for grabs at the ninth annual Bid to Build event on April 21 at Three Rivers Community College. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $20 a person.

Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut raises funds mainly through grant proposals and team build days. Bid to Build is its only major fundraising event each year. All proceeds go toward the organization's mission of helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Funds raised at the event will help support homebuilding projects in Groton, Montville, Mystic, New London, and an estimated 14 homes in the Greeneville section of Norwich.

This year's Bid to Build event will feature hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer, and door prizes. Raffles will take place for about 50 baskets with themes such as music, cooking, fishing, and sports.

Another 50 items will be offered through live and silent auctions. These include a number of local travel options, such as a Mohegan Sun getaway with tickets to see musician Jason Aldean, dinner at Tuscany, and an overnight stay; overnight stays at the Weekapaug Inn and Omni Providence Hotel; and lunch for two hosted by New London's Mayor Mike Passero.

Attendees can also bid on contractor services like carpentry, landscaping, painting, drywall work, junk removal, and professional organization. Other prizes include a brunch for two at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, tickets to the Hartford Symphony, and a private party at High Rollers Luxury Lanes at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Nell Bourgoin, director of resource development for Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut, says the event usually raises between $8,000 and $12,000. This year, the organization is setting the bar high and hoping to raise $20,000.

Two events each year invite families in eastern Connecticut to apply to become homeowners through Habitat for Humanity. The most recent event drew 140 applicants, demonstrating the need for affordable housing in the region.

Bourgoin says that there is sometimes a perception that Habitat for Humanity "gives away free houses," but every applicant has to make a serious commitment to homeownership. Applications are reviewed to assess a family's current housing, which is often unsafe or cost prohibitive. Applicants must then agree to 400 hours of "sweat equity," including taking classes on homeownership and assisting with the construction or renovation of their home.

"It's about a two-year relationship with us," says Bourgoin.

The organization also determines whether a family will be able to afford the home. Mortgages are financed through Habitat for Humanity, which makes no profit on this loan. The organization seeks to keep the mortgage payments at 30 percent of a family's household income or under.

If an applicant does not meet these requirements, they can still utilize Habitat for Humanity services to increase their chances of homeownership. Bourgoin said one individual has been working with a staffer who is a certified financial counselor to improve her financial literacy.

"We often say we offer a hand up, not a handout," says Bourgoin.

About 90 percent of Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut's work is done by volunteers. On average, 175 volunteers contribute 3,000 hours on just one home project. Anyone interested in volunteering can register online and work at build days on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The organization usually completes about five home projects a year, and in 30 years it has helped 72 families into homeownership in 16 towns. Another 30 properties are "land banked" for future development.

Tickets for Bid to Build can be purchased online, at the door, or at the Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut office at 377 Broad Street in New London. For more information, visit habitatect.org or call 860-442-7890, extension 204.