S.O.S Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser Goes Virtual

‘All Hands On Deck’ Virtual Fundraiser Promises To Help the Community (and You) Win

Star of the Sea Foundation (S.O.S) is transitioning its annual Casino Night Gala into a virtual event that all can enjoy in the comfort of their home. The virtual fundraiser, ‘All Hands On Deck’ will incorporate an online raffle for incredible prizes and experiences. S.O.S Executive Director, Tom Callahan explains that this year’s event, though not ideal, is most appropriate given the current protocols for COVID-19. “While we’ll certainly miss being physically together during this year’s fundraiser, I have confidence that we can still enjoy the spirit of this annual event while continuing to help serve our community’s most vulnerable.”

Food insecurity has been a persistent issue in the Florida Keys and the pandemic has rapidly escalated the problem in our community. Since the shutdown, S.O.S has increased operations by 352% over the past few months compared to pre-COVID months, which equates to over 22,000 local households served. S.O.S has elevated its responses with additional drive-thru distributions and prepared meals for at-risk populations including children and homebound seniors.

S.O.S relies heavily on generous philanthropic support garnered throughout the year, but especially during this annual fundraising event. “This year’s ‘All Hands On Deck’ online event will help us continue to respond to the unprecedented demand that we are facing. That’s why we are working hard to secure virtual raffle items that will be irresistible to our favorite supporters,” says event organizer Suzie Bruels. From November 9th – 20th, various raffle items will be added to the online platform, Flipcause.  Winners for individual raffles will be drawn from online entries that can be purchased in various increments. The amount of entries purchased for each item can increase your chance of winning. In short, if you really want to win a raffle item, you must increase your chances with as many entries as possible. “It’s a nod to the traditional raffle with entries for each prize, with a sprinkle of competition and a dash of luck,” adds Bruels.

Raffle items will be available for viewing on November 9th at 8 AM EST. Available items include luxurious hotel stays both in Key West and Miami, gift certificates and gift baskets, beautiful jewelry from local designers, as well as some virtual and in-person experiences like classes, shopping experience, and a private viewing at the Tropic Cinema. The featured grand prize is an Aruba vacation including points towards airfare. Entries will be available for purchase beginning on November 9th. The winners will be drawn throughout November 16th through 20th, as prizes will have different end dates throughout the entirety of the event.

“Because of the incredible hardships we’ve all witnessed this year, this fundraiser holds special significance. The needs are great, but our community is greater – and with ‘All Hands On Deck’ we can make it through this together,” adds Callahan. To learn more about S.O.S’s ‘All Hands On Deck’ online gala, visit sosfoundation.org/virtual-fundraiser or call 305-292-3013 and press 1. You can also follow S.O.S on social channels @sosflkeys on Facebook and Instagram.

Star of the Sea Foundation (SOS) was founded in 2006 to increase the health and well-being of low-income individuals and families in Monroe County, Florida via our client-choice food pantry. As one of the largest pantries in South Florida, SOS currently distributes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, breads, and canned goods to over 10,000 unduplicated individuals each year as well as 35 different agencies that serve children, veterans, seniors, and the homeless across Monroe County. Utilizing primarily volunteer support, SOS distributes 2,000,000 pounds of food annually to these underserved populations. SOS has expanded its efforts to include a Community Kitchen and Nutrition Education program. To learn more about SOS’s mission and how you can help, visit sosfoundation.org.

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