The Coon Valley Lions Club is upping the ante in 2016 as they reach out to the public for monetary support this holiday season in hopes of surpassing an even higher goal during its annual Vernon County Food Pantry Drive.
For the past six years the Coon Valley Lions have reached out to the public asking for financial donations to help feed hundreds of families who utilize the Bethel Butikk Food Pantry on a monthly basis and from the first year and beyond the Lions Club has been astonished and humbled by the generosity of businesses and the public in their efforts.
Every year since 2010 the organization has set a goal to raise one dollar more than the previous year, but in 2016 the group is hoping to surpass two goals. The first goal is to exceed the one dollar more than raised in 2015. Last year the organization raised $9,016.78, from a total of 98 donors. With a grand total of $39,972.33 raised since 2010, the second challenge is to help them surpass the $50,000 mark making its ultimate fundraising goal this year to raise $10,027.67.
Coon Valley Lions Club member Robert Kerska said the goal is high, but what he has witnessed over the past six years of the fundraising efforts is that the businesses and people living in and around this area have big hearts and are always willing to open up their wallets to help others in need.
“We live in an amazing area and I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. People truly care about others in the Coulee Region whether they are family, friends, neighbors or strangers,” Kerska said.
Last year Gary Daines of the Vernon County Food Pantry purchased almost $720,000 worth of food with the $9,016 donations raised.
The Coon Valley Lions will be holding its annual holiday kickoff drive with a tree lighting ceremony and holiday caroling at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. They will also be unveiling the donor recognition board near the holiday tree. All donors names will be listed on the board, with weekly updates as donations are received. Donations of $100 or more will have the actual amount listed next to the donor’s name.
If you wish to use your donation as a charitable deduction for income tax purposes, make your check payable to: Vernon County Food Pantry. Otherwise make your check payable to Coon Valley Lions.
All initial donations received no later than Tuesday, Nov. 22, will be listed on the recognition board when it is first unveiled at the tree lighting ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 25. Donations received after Nov. 22, will be listed on the board with weekly updates. There will also be an on-site donation box throughout the holiday season.
Anyone looking for more information Coon Valley Lions Club project should can contact committee members Rick Starkey, Roger Starkey, Arvid Holey, or Richard Brose. You may also call committee member Robert E. Kerska at 608-452-3733 or email him at vscrek@mwt.net.
‘We are extremely grateful for all of the support that the area has shown to the Coon Valley Lions and we hope that you will continue to support this project as we continue our efforts to support the Vernon County Food Pantry and the people of our area that use its resources,” Kerska said.
