The Butler Health System Foundation's Caring Angel Basket and 50-50 Raffle will return in the same format as last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result of restrictions placed on hospital visitation, the foundation is conducting the raffle virtually again. “We were hopeful we would return to normal here, where people could return in person; however, that is not the case,” said Kris Bowser, of the BHS Foundation.

This year, the fundraiser received 50 baskets with a combined value of more than $21,000. Most 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 new basket, “Discovering the Angels in Your Past,” is valued at $300, and includes a DNA kit, genealogy books, enrollment in a genealogy class and an ornament.

“We have some baskets valued at close to $1,000,” Bowser said. “There's a handmade picnic table, Steelers tickets and all kinds of really nice items.”

Instead of seeing the baskets in-person, participants will view the baskets online at the foundation's website.

On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the hospital will conduct the Drop and Drive event. Participants will drive up to the Brady Street entrance, where foundation staff will accept forms along with payment, allowing people to place their orders without entering the hospital.

There will also be two drop boxes available for people to place their orders inside. The last day for box orders will be Wednesday. One of the two boxes is near the Brady Street entrance of the hospital, and it's placed in a way that allows access at all times. “We've added the additional drop box that we hope will help,” Bowser said.

Staff will process the orders Dec. 9, and then drawings will take place Dec. 10. Winners will pick up their baskets Dec. 12 at the Brady Street entrance.

“We will bring the basket to their car,” Bowser said.

As they have for the past 28 years, the proceeds from the event will go toward the Caring Angel Fund, which has two major functions.

It provides family services for children, youth and their families in Butler County and, secondly, the charitable fund is drawn upon for emergency room visits by children ages 17 and younger who don't have insurance or the resources to pay for the visit.

In 2020, the basket auction raised about $55,000 in ticket sales, and the 50-50 raffle raised about $30,750 with the winner receiving half. The program's efforts since 1992 have raised more than $2 million.

Bowser said the goal for this year is to raise about $60,000 from the basket auction and to exceed the amount raised in the 50-50 last year.

“We continue to be very appreciative of the community and employee support, and we're looking forward to another successful year,” Bowser said.

To participate in the basket raffle, 50-50 or both, visit www.butlerhealthsystem.org/BHS-Foundation.Then, click the “here” button where it says “Caring Angel Basket & 50/50 Raffle is now open! Click here to view baskets and print order form.”Review the baskets and their contents in an online gallery.Print out an online form and fill it out by placing the number of tickets you want in each basket.Turn in the form during the Drop and Drive event Sunday or at the two drop-box locations, one available day and night at the Brady Street Entrance at Butler Memorial Hospital and one 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Butler Radio Station, 252 Pillow St., Butler.