The phrase "thank you" is simply not enough. Sarah's Friends' staff and board cannot thank everyone enough who was involved in making our Virtual Reverse Raffle event such a success. Due to the high numbers of COVID-19 in early Fall, 2021 when decisions for our event had to be made, the board made the hard decision to change our in-person Holiday Soiree fundraiser to a virtual reverse raffle with an online auction. Change is hard and very nerve-wracking with many unknowns, but we again were blown away by the community's response and generosity.
Deciding to hold a virtual event was easy in concept until the details of how to execute it seamlessly began. We could not be more grateful to Chris & Tony Malanga (Tony Malanga Productions) & family for their knowledge and skills provided to help bring our idea to fruition. From recording our "commercials", setting up everything online for the online auction, and taking care of literally everything to record and stream the event the night-of, this event truly would have looked very different had it not been for them. We couldn't recommend them enough and a five-star rating is simply too little of an acknowledgement.
150 tickets were sold and drawn with eight total chances to win a cash prize. $100 cash prizes were given to every 25th ticket pulled (five total), with three robust cash prizes of $500, $1,000 and $5,000 provided for the last three tickets drawn. A 50/50 raffle was also offered bringing in $250 to the organization and another cash prize winner. Through the absolute generosity of members in our very own community, $5,300 of our $7,250 cash prizes were donated back to the organization!
The online auction was an overwhelming success as well with 235 bids toward 31 items donated resulting in over $3,500 raised for Sarah's Friends. Thank you to everyone who placed bids and helped share the online auction link as well as our generous donors: Amy Lavoie, Black Swamp Equipment, Bronca, Chief Supermarkets, ElliAnn's Boutqiue, Elora Belle Salon, Farmer & Merchants Bank, Glendarin Golf Course, Jamie Casterline, Larry Dean, LE Smith, Matt & Misty King, Stoney Ridge Winery, Stranahan Theater, Tony's Car Care, Twisted Roots Metal Works, Tyson & Jennifer King, WBNO, Wieland's Auto Repair, and other anonymous donors.
Overall, the Virtual Reverse Raffle and Online Auction raised over $19,000 for Sarah's Friends and the programs available to assist survivors of domestic violence and other crimes in Williams County in their unique journeys of healing. We truly appreciate the generosity and partnership of those in our own community who are as passionate about our mission as our board and staff.
We'd like to extend a thank you to JJ Winns & the Quality Inn for hosting our event and providing our drive-through pickup meals to ticket holders; All Occasions for providing the decor items; and Cookies on Demand for providing the delicious dessert.
Thank you to our dedicated sponsors for making this event possible: Black Swamp Equipment, Bryan Ford Lincoln, Howard Arend, First Insurance, Fountain City Veterinary Hospital, Kannel Insurance, Midwest Community Federal Credit Union, Premier Bank, Spangler Candy Company, State Bank, Thiel Construction, and Woolace Electric.
Be sure to save the date in your calendars for our 2022 in-person Holiday Soiree on Saturday, November 19, 2022!