BELLOWS FALLS — Our Place Drop-in Center is holding its annual 50/50 raffle, with a special twist, to recognize its 20th anniversary.
“We usually only sell 200 tickets for the raffle at 20 dollars each,” said Our Place board president John Bohannon, “but this time we're stretching it to 220. But the odds are still great.”
Proceeds of the ticket sales are divided between Our Place and the four winners, with one prize each of $1,000 and $500, and two of $250.
“Fundraising is especially important to Our Place this year,” said Bohannon, who noted an increase in the number of people coming in to the center. “In June, we served 1,163 breakfasts and lunches and provided 271 to-go meals. Another 205 people accessed our food pantry or had groceries delivered to them, representing 511 family members.”
To meet these needs, Our Place holds several fundraising events each year, including the Empty Bowl dinner, its signature event held the first Sunday in November, an annual appeal now underway, and food drives at area grocery stores and through Project Feed the Thousands.
Our Place will commemorate its 20th anniversary with an event Thursday, Sept. 13, that will include a gathering of other area food providers to explore ways they can work better together to meet the food needs of their communities.
Our Place is a daytime drop-in center that offers help with food and other essential needs in a non-judgmental, safe, and respectful atmosphere. Further information is available at www.ourplacevt.org, by calling 802-463-2217, or e-mailing ourplace@sover.net.