Habitat postpones event, starts online fundraising

Although its signature fundraiser is postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc. didn’t let that stop fundraising efforts.

The nonprofit moved its annual Backyard Bundle raffle online, and as of deadline sold 1,150 raffle tickets to raise $23,000, said Development Director Abby Glenn. The raffle prize includes a Big Green Egg grill, patio furniture and a fire pit.

“We’ve been selling like crazy,” she said, adding ticket sales end tonight. “It’s kind of a bright spot for everyone to look at right now.”

The raffle was slated to be part of Habitat’s 15th annual Tool Belts and Bow Ties gala, which was scheduled for this evening.

“We were walking in with the most money we had every raised before,” Glenn said of donations to the 2020 Tool Belts and Bow Ties event. “That was the biggest gut punch.”

She said this year’s fundraiser had already grossed $126,755 through sponsors and ticket sales, and she had anticipated an additional $40,000 in night-of donations. Last year’s fundraiser grossed $134,000, roughly 5% of the nonprofit’s annual budget.

Glenn said Habitat has plans to reschedule the event, but has yet to be able to secure a new date with University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. If Habitat is not able to reschedule, she said they plan to offer mobile bidding for silent auction items.

“Our net budget, even with the expense we had to spend, is still going to be really close to a cost to build a house,” she said. “That’s the ultimate goal.”

The winner of the raffle will be drawn at 9 p.m. tonight and announced on Facebook. Ticket sales continue through 8:45 p.m. on Habitat’s website.