Amidst COVID-19 restrictions, SLITERS Lumber & Building Supply announced its DreamBuilders Playhouse raffle raised over $5500 to support four local nonprofits whose services are in high demand during the ongoing pandemic. All proceeds from the raffle will be split evenly among The Nurturing Center, CASA for Kids of Flathead County, Bigfork ACES, and the West Shore Food Bank. The raffle concluded on Saturday, April 18 with the announcement of winner, a Kalispell family.
“We are so thankful for the amazing support from the community for this raffle. What an amazing way for our community to come together to support each other and especially children and families who are most in need especially at this unprecedented time,” said Andrea Sliter Goudge of SLITERS Lumber & Building Supply. “Our team planned this fun raffle in a time when global pandemic was not even in our consciousness. In the moment we are in right now, this has been a way to infuse much-needed funds into four very vital organizations.”
All four nonprofits benefiting from the raffle are extending vital services to children and families during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bigfork ACES After School program, part of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, is following school closure guidelines but has adapted its services to offer "Grab and Go" dinners Monday – Friday to families in need. Any child or family member, regardless if they are registered with ACES or not, can pick up a meal from its main location at 801 Grand Drive in Bigfork, behind First Interstate Bank.
The West Shore Food Bank, located at 140 Bill's Road in Lakeside, remains open and is providing pre-packed bags of groceries with drive-through pick up. The food bank is currently trying to figure out how to distribute supplies for its Backpack program, traditionally offered as a weekend program to children in need during the school year.
“We’re taking lot of steps to protect customers, and we have a lot of really good volunteers that have stepped up to put together bags and hand them out.” said Rick Redfield of the West Shore Food Bank. “We are really fortunate right now, but it’s still early. I might change my tune in three weeks.”
CASA for Kids of Flathead County remains open to help serve children who may be especially at risk of child abuse and neglect during this time. “Right now, especially, it’s very important to support advocacy for abuse and neglect because stress is up. There are more children home and less surveillance with the various situations going on during COVID-19,” said Daniel Verardo of CASA. “We’re very concerned for our families and the health and psychological health in the community.”
“The funds from the raffle proceeds will allow the Nurturing Center to support child care providers, families in need of assistance with child care expenses, and the education of those involved with supporting, nurturing and caring for children,” said Jen White, operation manager of The Nurturing Center. “We are grateful for the SLITERS’ partnership and the community support during regular times and especially now.”
Andrew Sliter, President of SLITERS, commented, “It takes an awesome team to pull off an event like the DreamBuilders Playhouse Raffle. As in everything we do at SLITERS, our talented team provides the backbone for this endeavor. Big thanks to Luke McAdams who hand built the playhouse, Patty Walker for her design and color inspiration, and Ned Carbonari and Rich Boon, who ensured flawless logistics. From our sales associates to our drivers, I couldn’t be more proud of the SLITERS team.”
To further support these local charities, SLITERS will provide additional donations to each charity to advance their missions supporting children and families at this time of COVID-19 crisis.