Puzzle Pieces will hold a drive-thru barbeque fundraiser on Dec. 12. This will be the first of several fundraising initiatives for the nonprofit in hopes of raising $40,000 by February 2021 for support of direct client care.
After six fundraisers were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, Puzzle Pieces Executive Director Amanda Owen was approached by her nonprofit’s Vision Committee. This group of 15 community members volunteer their time to ensure Puzzle Pieces is successful while also advocating for clients and educating the public on the organization’s mission.
“The Vision Committee came to me because they knew the impact COVID has had on Puzzle Pieces and they wanted to help,” Owen said. “They had the idea for a barbeque fundraiser, which could be executed safely during this time, and with their support, we are all in and hope to raise money to offset the deficit as a result of COVID.”
Those interested can purchase a whole barbequed chicken for $10 or a whole rack of ribs for $25. Tickets will be on sale starting this week. Money will be collected upon order, but an online payment option will be available through Eventbrite.
Puzzle Pieces will have designated ticket sellers to help facilitate healthy sale transactions and Matt Fitzgerald with Daniel Dick State Farm will be an approved site for ticket sales.
Staff will maintain social distancing practices during the Dec. 12 pick-up and customers will be given designated times to get their barbeque to keep the crowd number minimized.
Watch Puzzle Pieces’ Facebook page for up-to-date details on the fundraiser.
Owen, who opened Puzzle Pieces to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in 2012, said the nonprofit could be in jeopardy should COVID-19 cause another mandatory closure or if fundraisers/donations continue to diminish like they have in 2020.
“We have been blessed with a supportive community the last eight years,” Owen said. “But we understand that COVID has affected everyone in a big way. We hope that this fundraiser will be a win-win for everyone. Families that buy the delicious chicken and ribs don’t have to worry about dinner and can enjoy quality time with their loved ones and the money can be put toward supporting our clients’ direct care.”
