With normal events sidelined by the COVID-19 virus, Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County plans to hold three mini-fundraisers this summer.
Habitat’s newest fundraising campaign launched Wednesday after the group was forced to cancel their annual Banjos and Brunch event. The organization’s “Pennies and Prayers” campaign will run the entire month of July with hopes that those pennies can bring in enough revenue to build a home.
Habitat’s Executive Director Virginia Braswell said the Pennies and Prayers campaign started in Henderson and has now spread across the state of Kentucky, prompting a “friendly competition” between Habitat organizations.
“We’ll be competing to see who gets the most money. The state Habitat group will keep track of the competition,” she said.
Habitat’s annual Banjos and Brunch campaign normally brings in about $20,000, Braswell said. After only one day in action, Habitat for Humanity received a check and prayer in an envelope for $100.
“We got our first check today, and a card that came with the check said, ‘This is 10,000 pennies, and here’s a prayer,’” Braswell said.
The prayers that come along with the donations will be collected and posted around town. Braswell said she believed the need for prayers regarding local, state and national issues was profound during this uncertain and often tense time.
The funding from Pennies and Prayers was originally slated to go toward Habitat’s 144th house in the area, as the home had lost its sponsor. However, Braswell received a call earlier in the week from American Patriot Getaways, saying they’d like to sponsor the home.
“The company is donating $35,000 to sponsor the home,” she said. “The land is already paid for and we received a $30,000 grant for it. With the additional $35,000, we can start the building process.”
The funding from Pennies and Prayers will instead go toward a house that Habitat expects to start this fall, Braswell said.
“I tell people it’s the Lord’s work,” Braswell said.
Those wishing to donate to the Pennies and Prayers campaign can mail checks, and prayers, to 1702 Moseley Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. Donations can also be placed inside a slot at the Habitat for Humanity site.
The other fundraisers include a socially-distanced garage sale and an online silent auction.
The garage sale is 7 a.m.-3 p.m. July 17; 7 a.m. – noon July 18; and 3-6 p.m. July 20.
The online silent auction is happening in August. More information will be available on Habitat’s Facebook page.
