Child's Donation Highlight of Annual "Cocoa & Carols" Fundraising Event

Fremont, NE - It was unexpected.  The annual “Cocoa & Carols” fundraising event was coming to a close and producer Mike Spies was standing before an audience of about 600 people on Wednesday evening.  That’s when a little blond-haired boy in a gray sweater ran up and tugged at Spies’ arm. The musical fundraiser had netted just under $2,300 for The Banquet, a program that provides no-cost meals to the community on Thursday nights.  Spies looked down at the boy, who was probably about 6 or 7 years old. The child held out his hand.  He had a quarter and a dime.  “I want to give this to The Banquet,” he said handing the 35 cents to Spies.  It was a touching donation.   The child’s donation was just one of several memorable moments at an event which included puppets and Pathfinder Chorus members, treats and tunes — and even a Christmas carol sing-along — all at First Lutheran Church in Fremont.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

"Fill the Sleigh" Fundraising Event for Gatlinburg Fire Victims

Fort Wayne, IN – Area Family Video locations are hosting a “Fill the Sleigh” fundraising event for victims of the Gatlinburg wildfires. According to Chad Rice, manager of the East State location of Family Video in Fort Wayne, the store canceled their “holiday bizarre,” a large community event, to dedicate their time to help the victims of Gatlinburg. Rice said the East State store does a community event every few months but decided to expand that for the victims of Gatlinburg.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Polar Express Fundraising Event Raises $130,000 for VCTF

Shelburne, VT - With the help of over 700 community volunteers, including many individuals from Shelburne, and student groups from CVU and Shelburne Community School, The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation raised $130,000 in its 15th annual fundraising event, The Polar Express, held earlier this month.  The Polar Express is VCTF’s largest fundraising event of the year. The VCTF makes grants to community-based prevention programs for children and families throughout Vermont.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

"Miracles on Pike Street" Fundraising Event for The Point Arc

Covington, KY - The Point Arc hosted its 46th annual JOY Miracles on Pike Street event on Saturday at the Northern Kentucky Convention center.  Momentum excelled in November in preparation for their largest fundraising event, “JOY.”   After six months of scheduling, planning, gift gathering parties and many late hours, Linda Grome, Chair and Jill Disken, Co-Chair and their JOY committee made this fundraising event among the Point Arc’s best, despite attendance being down over 100.   The theme of the 46th Annual Joy was “Miracles on Pike Street.”  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

12 Days of Christmas Fundraiser

Dyersburg, TN - Early Friday morning, Burks Beverage representative Sherry Seratt drew the name of Dyer County resident Betty Smith as the third winner of Transitions’ 12 Days of Christmas fundraiser.   Smith will receive an oil change and tire rotation at Lake Road Service Center, a $100 gift certificate to Bailey’s Boutique and Monogram, a holiday gift provided by Sunpoint Pool & Patio, and a hydrotherapy massage from Cole Chiropractic.   Daily winners of the seasonal fundraising event will be announced on-air daily from now until Dec. 24 on WTRO 101.7 FM or 1450 AM radio stations. www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Kegs for Kaikoura Fundraising Event

Fairfax, NZ - Have a drink in support of the Kaikoura region's recovery effort this Christmas eve at the fundraising event, Kegs for Kaikoura.  The mini beer festival, organized by the newly formed group Good Beer Collective, will be held at Two Thumb Brewing Co.  Everything from the kegs to the wine, cider, food and the porta-potties have been donated by 20 local breweries and supporting businesses; meaning every dollar spent on the night will go directly to the earthquake affected community.  www.fundraising-ideas.org