GREENFIELD — Nearly a dozen local nonprofits are battling to raise the most money before Oct. 27.
That’s the date of the annual Steak’n Bake’n Raffle, one of the Rotary Club of Greenfield’s biggest fundraisers every year. The 10 finalists were selected earlier this month and have begun to raise money toward their final balance for the evening of the event, where the top five money-raisers will receive an additional boon in the form of grants from the Rotary Club.
In addition to activities and games aimed at collecting donations for the gathered nonprofits, the event is expected to include a $2,000 reverse raffle, a steak dinner, 50/50 raffles, desserts, wine, domestic and craft beers, and music and dancing featuring Ripple Effect, according to a news release.
Last year’s event raised some $94,000, providing a grant of $5,200 to each of the top five organizations in addition to the funds they raised on their own, according to Daily Reporter records. The Steak’n Bake’n Raffle has provided nearly $245,000 for area nonprofit organizations since its inception, said past organizer Dave Anders.
The organizations selected to benefit from the fundraiser this year provide vastly different services to the community, from helping families raising children with disabilities to working to provide food to the hungry.
Families United for Support and Encouragement has participated in the friendly competition for the last several years, said executive director Denise Arland.
“It’s a nice event,” she said. “It’s a great way to get our name out in front of a big crowd.
Sara Cummins, FUSE development director, said the organization has sent out a newsletter, promoted the sale of tickets and reached out to friends and family to encourage people to donate toward their cause ahead of the event.
Supporters of the organization, which empowers families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs by providing information, training, support and encouragement, are familiar with the competitive spirit of the organization, Cummins said.
Earlier this year, FUSE participated in Brackets for Good, a competitive March Madness-style event pitting nonprofits against one another in a contest to see who can raise the most by the championship round.
Cummins said FUSE appreciates what Rotary does for the community.
“We love doing the Steak’n Bake’n Raffle, it’s always a fun evening,” she said. “We love throwing our support behind Rotary as well; they bring so much to the community as a whole.”
Jill Ebbert, executive director of the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen, one of the finalists for this year’s raffle, said the organization has been the recipient of a Rotary grant through the event twice in the past.
She and other soup kitchen employees are excited to participate again, and are reaching out to volunteers and donors encouraging them to give the soup kitchen a boost ahead of this year’s event.
“I think it’s a really great thing (Rotary does) for all the nonprofits,” she said. “They make a lot of money and spread it around. They have been incredibly good to us.”
Tickets for the event are $40. The attendance is limited at 500 people and those who attend must be 21 or older. For tickets, message the Rotary Club of Greenfield on Facebook or contact a local Rotarian.
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Rotary Club of Greenfield
2018 Steak’n Bake’n Raffle
6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 27
Hancock County Fairgrounds
4-H Exhibit Hall
620 Apple St., Greenfield, IN 46140
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Grant finalists
- The Landing Place
- Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen
- Hope House homeless shelter and thrift store
- Hancock County Veterans Park
- Hancock County Senior Services
- Hancock County Food Pantry
- Families United for Support and Encouragement
- Nameless Creek Youth Camp
- Meals on Wheels of Hancock County
- Shares, Inc.
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