LANSING, Mich. — Tonight at 7 p.m., Child and Family Charities is hosting its 14th annual, though first virtual, fundraiser for the aid of local children and families in need, who have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 crisis and its effects. General admission is free, and can be viewed live on Facebook or YouTube from the comfort of one's home.
Chief Executive Officer Julie Thomasma, Ph.D., says that in addition to the silent auction that opened Nov. 19, the watch party will have also have live auction items for bid, which include a trip to Nashville, a trip to Mackinac Island and their "famous barrel of booze." There will also be a $50 raffle for a 1/200 chance to win three diamonds from H&H Jewelry Design.
The goal this year is to raise $100,000 for local children and families in need. Though that may appear to be a large goal, Thomasma says that this is their only fundraiser of the year, and needs have been at all-time high.
"We have seen so many needs this year—constant requests on our website for families reaching out, needing assistance, and honestly, we haven't said 'no,'" Thomasma says. "So if somebody comes to us and they're asking for a food delivery or help for their children with coats, or technology, or whatever that might be, we've been trying to meet every one of those needs.
"We've also seen an increase in mental health services, substance abuse treatment requests, just a constant outpouring from the schools, and so we're making sure that we are doing everything possible to support children and families during this time."
If one cannot donate monetarily to the fundraiser, Thomasma encourages everyone to donate their time and join the free watch party to celebrate and learn more about the charity's mission. Her goal is for at least 1,000 viewers to log in and join the fun.
"This is a time where local charities really need the local support," Thomasma says, "and we know this is an amazing community that gives locally and keeps our non-profits going, so, we just appreciate the support from all of our longtime supporters as well as anybody who's going to be logging in, meeting us for the first time."
Thomasma says that the money raised at Red Nose Ruckus Live! will go toward helping children and families with needs such as food, diapers, housing assistance and more.
To register for the event TONIGHT, click the link below:
https://events.handbid.com/auctions/2020-red-nose-ruckus/registration
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