January 6, 2014 at 4:32 p.m.
Meat raffle benefits Kids in Need
Meat raffle benefits Kids in Need
The raffle is an annual event, but the beneficiary changes from year to year, organizer Denny "Swanny" Swanson said.
"We've done a couple for Wild Instincts, a couple for the animal shelter, we did one for the Safe Ride Home program and now we're doing one for Kids in Need," Swanson said. "There's no rhyme or reason when deciding who we do it for. We just get a few people together and figure out what sounds like a good cause and we do it for that one."
This year the proceeds will go to benefit the Kids in Need group, which has its headquarters on Brown Street.
"They happen to be right next door to us so this one's kind of like a neighbors helping neighbors kind of thing which is always nice this time of year," Swanson said. "But it's not just because they're our neighbors. They're doing great work over there, helping out the kids of the community, giving them a place to go and hang out and stay out of trouble. We could've easily decided on them even if they weren't our neighbors and the fact that they are right next door to us, it just made sense."
As for the raffle itself, it's beginnings date back quite a few years. Raffles and fundraisers have always been a big part of Swanson's life and now that he's working at Sackett's, he figured the meat raffle would be a great way to help out those in need.
"It's not a new idea. Years and years ago, the gentleman that used to own the Elbo Room, he used to do this like twice a month," Swanson said.
"I've done a lot of benefits and raffles in the past. I don't want to brag, but I know how to run raffles and stuff like this and now that I'm working here, I think it's just a great thing to do for the community and I'm glad I'm able to do it."
The community has always been incredibly supportive of the raffle, Swanson said, and this year was no different.
"It's great. Everyone always comes out and buys tickets for our raffles and helps out. It really speaks volumes about this community," Swanson said.
"We always expect anywhere from 20 to 40 people each year and we usually hit that. It's just great knowing that people will come out, even in the cold, to support their community and the people that are doing good within the community."
The mood at the raffle might have been dampened after a man died in an altercation at the bar on New Year's Day, but Swanson said the strength of the community can overpower any feelings of sadness.
"The show must go on and thankfully people are still coming out to show their support," he said.
The decision to attend the raffle was an easy one according to ticket-buyer Charles Wright.
"I did hear what happened over the holiday, but that's no reason not to come out and support something like this. This really is one of the cooler benefits I've attended because you can win so many different kinds of meat," he said. "And when it's supporting something that's helping out kids, why wouldn't you come out? The chance to win some great meat, helping out the kids of the community, it's a win-win situation if there ever was one."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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