For years, non-profit organizations have been important players in the local community, providing assistance, grants and special programs that otherwise would be missing. Their lifeblood of course is their fundraising efforts, and with the shutdown of large events and gatherings due to COVID-19, they are having to find creative ways to come up with funding for important programs.
Unlike businesses, non-profits have the option of applying for government-sponsored loans or grants to cover COVID losses. So many are trying to create “virtual” programs or offer creative alternatives.
One example of this is the “SIP with Soroptomists” Wine Tasting at Home, coming up on July 11. For a cost of $200, four people can view a YouTube video in their home while sipping on wines and beer and eating crudités delivered in a package to them by the Soroptimists and their donors. They will receive 3 bottles of wine from 3 different vineyards and premium beers along with wine/beer glasses and accessories. The video will feature a sommelier discussing the beverages they will be sampling and giving advice on pairings and how to get the most from the vintages and brews. Tickets will be at a limited quantity and will be available soon.
The organization also plans to offer their Meat Raffle Fundraiser, which doesn’t require any sort of gathering but rather just the sales of tickets for a chance to win a large quantity of meat and a freezer. They are still not certain about the fate of other regular fundraisers such as the Bingo nights at the Veterans Hall and the LUNAFEST film festival. They do hope to bring figure out a way to bring LUNAFEST to Rio Vista in a way that meets social distancing guidelines.
Other organizations are also dealing with the loss of regular programs. The Bass Derby and Festival, now cancelled for this year, provided major fundraising opportunities for the Lions Club, Rotary, Soroptimists, Food Pantry, and youth groups.
Likewise, RioVision’s Hog August Bites has been cancelled, leaving that organization without a major fundraiser for the year. The cancellation of May Fair left 4H Clubs without a way to auction off their livestock. The fundraising dinners that churches, police, and youth groups use to generate needed funds have also been quashed or dramatically altered because of social distancing orders.
So this year during those times when you used to participate in the activities, think about pulling out your checkbook instead, and sending the organizations what you would have spent in going to the event or purchasing a ticket. This will go a long way to restoring the vitality of our community and providing all those “extras” that make Rio Vista a great place to live.