The Alger County Kiwanis is looking for a big second year of their newest annual fundraiser: the Raffle Blitz.

“This is our second annual Raffle Blitz, which takes place instead of the traditional auction that we used to run,” said Cathy Weisinger, Kiwanis Treasurer. “This is the main fundraiser for the year, so every penny that we raise today goes into the community.”

The Raffle Blitz ran like a typical bucket raffle event, but with a considerably larger amount of events than most fundraisers. Dozens of colored paper bags were lined up on tables lining the outside of the Alger Parks and Recreation gymnasium on Saturday, September 16, waiting to be filled with tickets from hopeful donors.

The second year can make or break an event, based on how successful the fundraiser goes. The Cooking Carberrys supplied a mobile cooking unit, a large homemade quilt took the center stage of the display floor and 50-50 was available to help generate extra funds. This year, the Kiwanis added baked goods to the mix and more gift cards were donated from local businesses.

“Last year was kind of a gamble. We have the items here to bid on so just need people to buy tickets,” Weisinger said.

According to Kiwanis President Gail Rodgers, the event raised roughly $6,000. That’s a little under half of how much the organization provides to the public through various grants. She said that with the additional options would hopefully get the group to $10,000 after the event. An official report was not available at deadline for this week’s The Munising Beacon, but Weisinger estimated that the Raffle Blitz generated around $7,500.

Kiwanis offers funding assistance and grants to programs focusing on children, community and seniors. Those looking to join the organization or apply for funding of a local project can visit www.algercounty. com/kiwanis or visit the Kiwanis Club of Alger County Facebook group.