With Marion in mind for their next project, Buzzard Bay Area Habitat for Humanity brought their first-ever Home and Garden Show to town.

With the help of volunteers, the nonprofit builds affordable housing for low income families and has petitioned town officials to construct a new home at 185 Wareham Road in Marion.

Executive director of Habitat for Humanity Christine Lacourse said, “A lot of times people don’t know we’re here, but we’ve been here for quite a while.”

Held at the Tabor Academy Travis Roy ice rink on March 24, the free event had 61 vendors, 10 workshops and entertainment by local musicians.

“We wanted to keep it as local as possible,” Lacourse said.

The event drew over 400 visitors who discussed plumbing solutions, day lilies, dehumidifying basements and other home related topics with local experts.

Many of the businesses in attendance have supported Habitat for Humanity in the past.

Lisa Bindas, owner of the Fairhaven shop Gotta Have It, said she donated furniture to a previous project and hopes to get more involved with Habitat for Humanity in the future.

“Everyone should help each other,” Bindas said. “That’s what it’s all about. We make it a rule to donate to anybody we can.”

Besides home and garden related services, there were a few other businesses that were eager to help Habitat for Humanity build more houses in the area.

Masseuses Lisa Bussenger and Janet Laine offered chair massages for $1 a minute with all proceeds going towards Habitat for Humanity.

Although the pair has not helped with Habitat for Humanity projects in the past, Laine said, “I thought this would be a good way to contribute.”

The event wasn’t just for adults. A children’s activity area was set up where kids could create drawings of their dream houses.

Lacourse said some of the artwork would be selected for a Habitat for Humanity greeting card fundraiser.

Lacourse said the event raised approximately $10,000 for Habitat. Some of which will go towards a single-family home to be constructed in Marion.

Ultimately, Lacourse hoped the event would bring people together to help the less fortunate in the community.

“It’s the fact of getting community involved and raising awareness,” Lacourse said.