BHS fundraiser online this year
Basket raffle supporters will see just as many prize possibilities — but in a modified format — this year for the Butler Health System's Caring Angel fundraiser.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Butler Health System Foundation is conducting the basket raffle virtually this year and is using its website more than ever before.
“We'll be posting videos on our Facebook page featuring different baskets every day,” said Kris Bowser, BHS Foundation development and events manager.
This year, the fundraiser received 50 baskets with a combined value of more than $20,000. Similar to years past, many of the baskets were donated by departments, staff or board members of BHS, but some were also donated by community members, restaurants and other entities.
One basket called 1, 2, 3 Buy a Christmas Tree (And So Much More!) features $1,100 in cash decorating a petite artificial Christmas tree. The tree was donated by the BHS Behavioral Health Department.
“We are absolutely thrilled with that level of support because of everything that's going on,” Bowser said.
Participants can submit their forms online or through the mail. One sheet of 25 tickets is $10 for the basket raffle. Both forms of submission will require a mailed check for payment. All orders and payments must be received in the foundation office by Dec. 9.
While much of this year's fundraiser is socially distanced, there will be a one-time opportunity for in-person drop-offs of submissions, during an event known as the Drop and Drive.
“The Drive and Drop option will be a secure way to ensure that forms and payments are received in time for the drawing,” Bowser said. “We are happy to offer this option to our donors.”
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, participants will be able to drive through the Brady Street parking lot of Butler Memorial and give foundation staffers their basket order form and payment.
Last year, the basket raffle raised about $80,000 for the foundation's Caring Angel Fund. The funds are divided between family services at BHS and a charitable fund drawn upon for emergency room visits by children ages 17 and younger who don't have the insurance or resources to pay for the visit. “The Caring Angel program benefits children, youths and their families in Butler County,” Bowser said.
The fundraiser also will include a 50-50 raffle. Last year, the 50-50 raffle raised more than $40,000 on its own.
All the baskets and the 50-50 raffles will be drawn Dec. 10. Winners will be able to arrange for curbside pickup of their prize Dec. 11. Bowser said her team began accepting submissions Wednesday, and her staff has been busy. She said the response gives her optimism about the campaign. “It's a different year, but we're excited to see how successful we can be during this tough time,” Bowser said.
