Raising funds -- so that roofs can be raised

"It's like a virus, a good virus," said Gil Kyung-ja of Habitat for Humanity. "You can't shake it off for the rest of your life."

Just as tantalizing, however, were what the event offered: rubbing elbows with models, great prices on clothes, cologne and makeup, free doughnuts and a hip fashion show.

Women's Build held a fund-raising event Monday for Habitat for Humanity Korea. Ms. Gil, wife of the chairman for Habitat for Humanity Korea, Chung Kun-mo, along with more than 800 others gathered at the Grand Hyatt Seoul for a bazaar, hosted by Harper's Bazaar Korea, and a fashion show, hosted by Sungjoo International.

The event raised more than 120 million won ($93,000) for the charity. "Just enough for two families," said Sohn Mi-hyang of Habitat for Humanity Korea.

Last year, former U.S. president Jimmy Carter came to Korea to help build homes. This year he's in South Africa, but Habitat is still working hard. It plans to build homes for the needy in Daegu this year, starting in August.

Chung Hyung-sun, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar Korea, said, "It's an amazing feeling and I hope the best for this year."

by Joe Yong-hee