Mantua – For many years, the Crestwood Middle School’s Sunshine Fund has helped students and families in crisis by providing things like clothing, class trip fees, and more. What originally began as a small-scale effort organized by CMS Guidance Counselor Lynne Morrison has been transformed, providing Crestwood families, local businesses, and community organizations with an opportunity to help students and families in need.
In previous years, the Sunshine Fund has hosted talent shows and special auctions in order to raise much-needed money, but in the midst of a pandemic, such events aren’t possible. Earlier this year, they contacted area churches, which generously held collections to help replenish this crucial fund. And when several organizations joined to offer help, a brand new, COVID-friendly fundraiser was born.
Joined by the Rotary Club of Mantua, Downtown Mantua Revitalization, and the Crestwood Middle School PTO, the Sunshine Fund is hosting an online reverse raffle to raise funds for the Sunshine fund. Tickets are currently available at a cost of $100 each, but act quickly since only 150 will be sold. The official drawing will take place online beginning at 5:30 pm, with the winning ticket holding a value of $2,000. Second place winner will win $1,000, while third and fourth place tickets earn $500 and $250 respectively. Other prizes include $50 gift cards for Mantua Village businesses for the first number drawn, and for every 10th ticket drawn until the 140th ticket is drawn.
The drawings will be live streamed; half the proceeds will be go to the Sunshine Fund, 25% for the DMRC, and 25% for the Rotary, for programs at Crestwood Schools. Tickets may be purchased online through the Downtown Mantua Revitalization website, www.revitalizemantua.org or through participating businesses including Jake’s Eats, Bibury Inc, Restoration 44 Coffee shop, Restoration 44 Butcher and Bakery or Crooked River Florist.
“Covid 19 has created a heightened need to provide assistance to Middle School students and their families,” CMS teacher Kim Marfy shared. We’re so grateful to the DMRC and Rotary for coming together for the kids,” she marveled. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Steve Zabor at MantuaRotary@Gmail.com.
