PHOTOS: Wegmans, Friends and Park Schools Unite for a Good Cause

Wegmans catered to a sold-out crowd for the which raised money for the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake's Build a Block program. 

Jazz ensembles from The Park School of Baltimore and provided background music as guests mingled, dined on cuisine and offered bids at a silent auction on Saturday. 

This initiative was spearheaded by Park and Friends schools' students involved in the Build a Block program. They approached Wegmans manager Wendy Webster with the idea of having the Hunt Valley grocery store assist with their goal to build six homes on Jefferson Street in East Baltimore.

Jessica Drake, youth engagement coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, said Webster should be credited with taking the students' request beyond their hopes for "a couple hundred dollar contribution" to a fully catered gala with all proceeds going toward Habitat's cause.

The initial batch of tickets sold out before the start of Saturday night's event. More tickets had to be photocopied at the last minute to satisfy the great demand.

"Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Chesapeake is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Wegmans family. This partnership of Wegmans and students of the Build a Block program have helped further our mission of providing affordable housing to hardworking families," Drake said. 

The goal was to raise $30,000, enough money to build and buy materials for one of the houses. Webster indicated they well exceeded this amount. 

"Together, Wegmans, Park and Friends schools have an amazing community commitment. We are proud to be a part of the Build a Block program with Habitat for Humanity," she said. 

The dedication of these homes will take place May 21 at 2420 East Jefferson St. in Baltimore at 4 p.m.