United Way of Lake County Kicks Off Community Hijinx Hero Fundraiser and Virtual Raffles in Lieu of Celebrity Server Event
May 3, 2022– Mentor, OH – Today marks the kickoff of the first of a three-part virtual raffle United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is holding to raise donations in place of their largest annual fundraiser. Their Celebrity Server event is held annually in March, but this is the third year in a row the organization has been unable to host their popular 500 person St. Patty’s Day themed event due to the pandemic.
“We plan our events well in advance and COVID-19 was still ripe during this stage so we were forced to make the tough call to replace it once again,” said UWLC Director of Marketing and Communications Tami Lewis.“The good news is that our virtual raffles are very popular due to the incredible prizes participants have the opportunity to win. We get a lot of feedback about the quality of our raffles and the fun everyone has participating. It’s a simple way for people to give back and make an impact.” Lewis commented.
UWLC’s virtual raffle gives residents the opportunity to purchase entries online for a chance to win 48 high-end prizes while helping the community. All proceeds raised stay local and will benefit Lake County children, families, and seniors in need.
The raffle is part one of a two-part “Community Hero” fundraiser UWLC is hosting. It includes three weekly back-to-back raffles, the first of which started today and runs through Monday, May 9 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be selected May 10, 2022. This raffle can be accessed at https://go.rallyup.com/win1.
Some of the raffle items include an Apple iPad Air, $250 Amazon.com gift card, high-value Ohio lottery ticket trees, a large outdoor griddle, Huffy bike, winery getaways, Cleveland Guardians tickets, designer Handbags and more.
The second raffle will run from Tuesday, May 10 – Monday, May 16, and the third and final raffle will run from Tuesday May 17 – Wednesday, May 25. Winners will be selected the day following the end of each raffle. Links for these raffles will be available on their start dates at https://www.uwlc.org/raffle22.
Part two of UWLC’s fundraiser includes a “Community Hijinx Hero” Fundraiser whereby local community supporters who believe in giving back and giving local, have signed on to raise funds for UWLC by performing a variety of “hijinx” in exchange for donations from friends, family members, and co-workers. The hijinx started May 1, 2022 and will run through May 26, 2022.
UWLC Board Member Maria Kula’s “Hijinx” plan includes running five miles down Mentor Avenue in Mentor dressed in a bright pink pelican costume. Anyone wishing to support her hijinx can make a donation at https://go.rallyup.com/hero2022/m/maria.
Other Community Hero Hijinx activities are a bit more tame and include making homemade bakery, hosting cocktail parties, raffling off personal prizes and more.
Last year Wickliffe City School Superintendent Joe Spiccia performed the most noteworthy “hijinx” of all by skydiving for the first time in his life. This year, he and Wickliffe City Schools Director of Strategic Innovation Julie Ramos have opted for something a bit less nerve shattering. Spiccia and Ramos will be raising donations for UWLC by selling tickets to what they’ve dubbed a “Magical Musical Mystery Tour” in immersive surround sound that will be held at the Wickliffe High School gym on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 7 pm – 9 pm. The program will include the rock-n-roll sounds of the 60’s and 70’s featuring The Beatles along with everything from The Animals to ZZ Top. The tour will feature music, stories seldom heard before, and a lot of food.
“What really makes this event special is their sound system,” said Lewis. “They will be using one of the most sophisticated sound systems ever created to immerse attendees in what will feel like the front row of the finest concert venues in the world.”
Tickets for those wishing to attend can be found on Joe and Julie’s fundraising page at https://go.rallyup.com/hero2022/m/juliejoe.
“We are grateful to all of our many supporters and to our event sponsors who make helping the most vulnerable among us possible.” Lewis emphasized.
UWLC’s “Community Hero” fundraiser is presented by The Lubrizol Corporation, and sponsors include the The News-Herald, Cleveland Clinic, Fredon Corporation, Lakeland Community College, Lake Metroparks, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. - Mentor Wealth Management Group, Stanley Steemer, Stefanik, Iosue & Associates, CT Consultants, Cornerstone IT, First Federal Lakewood, Key Private Bank, Huntington, Applied Laser Technologies, and Alpha Key Digital.