If you want to build homes for people in need, start with gingerbread houses. The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity held its second annual Gingerbread Gala on Thursday night, featuring a number of homes baked, assembled and auctioned off to help raise funds for new homes across the South Coast.

"We got far more than we anticipated, which is fabulous," said Robin Ragle-Davis, president of the local Habitat branch. "People are really looking forward to the night."

In addition to the gingerbread houses, made by Cub Scouts, local businesses and individuals, many local businesses donated products and services that were up for bid in the silent auction.

Besides the auction, there were many finger foods donated by area restaurants. Members of St. Gabriel's Church choir also brought Christmas cheer with a number of carols.

"It's a perfect start to the season," Ragle-Davis said.

All of the proceeds will go to help Habitat's mission to build homes for low-income families as well as to help out people in need of repairs on their homes through the Brush With Kindness program started last year.

The organization is currently working towards its first Marion and Rochester builds.