Hospital program raises funds for children's ER care
The 22nd annual Caring Angel Basket Auction came to a close Tuesday night.
The doors closed at 6 p.m. at the Nixon/Sarver Education Center in the Butler Memorial Hospital tower, and staff members from the Butler Health System Foundation ate pizza while they stayed late to organize the drawing.
“We'll draw tonight and make calls (to the winners) tomorrow (Wednesday),” said Kris Bowser, development specialist and events manager of Butler Health System Foundation.
All winnings must be collected by 11 a.m. Wednesday.
This year the event raised $82,000 from basket tickets and $46,530 from 50-50 tickets.
“The 50-50 was about $30,000 last year. The basket tickets sales were in line with where we've been in the past,” Bowser said.
Various hospital departments and community members donated 59 baskets this year.
Bowser said the basket raffle has become the key fundraiser for the Caring Angel campaign, along with other efforts by local schools, chocolate sales and sponsors.
The Caring Angel Program provides charitable emergency room care to children under the age of 18 whose parents or guardians do not have insurance or resources to pay.
The program also helps support Family Services of Butler Health System, which offers a variety of specialized therapeutic programs.
“People are really happy when they come in this room usually,” said Janna Unik, a foundation staff member.
Unik said the baskets change every year, and people notice the trends. She said this year's craze was baskets with a dog theme.
“There's so much creativity from the donors,” Unik said.
She said many people, especially locals, spend extra because they know the money goes directly to children who visit the ER, likely impacting local youths. “I think it's a great fundraiser for us because it interacts with the community,” Unik said.
