The months-long excitement and activity surrounding our club’s 4-Way Raffle is over, but the funds, all of which ended up going to area non-profits, will benefit needy folks for many months – even years!Catherine Friedman, who spearheaded the raffle, significantly aided by Melissa Baxter, reports the total funds raised was $46,200, with $11,000 of the amount from donations, and the remainder from the 1,760 tickets that were sold. Glenda Brion, Suzette Connors and Chuck Heckenberger picked the winning tickets. President Kyle congratulated the winners at a recent luncheon meeting.
Safe Harbor’s Executive Director Jessica Chappell said “We at Safe Harbor are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club’s generous $15,000, resulting from the hard work of so many Rotarians selling raffle tickets. These funds directly support our emergency shelter and comprehensive programming for individuals experiencing homelessness. Specifically the funds help cover essential services such as trauma-informed case management, daily meals, life skills training and other essential resources. With this support we can continue to offer not just a safe place to sleep but a pathway toward long-term housing and hope,” she added.
Glenda Brion, Executive Director of the Community Warehouse Project, reports, “The $15,000 will all go to providing 88 beds, mattresses and platforms, bedding, pillows and comforters. Seventy percent of people are more likely to stay housed when their home is furnished,” she added.
“This will help one family stay safely housed,” said Michele Venema, CEO of Home of the Sparrow, and winner of $5,000. When asked about use of the funds, she said, “What we can do with $5,000 to prevent a family from ever experiencing the trauma of homelessness is transformative! The disbursement of these funds will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the family we help,” she added.