Every February, First Stop, Inc., experiences a drop in donations. Ann Marie Lang, First Stop's resource coordinator, started seeking innovative funding opportunities to close the gap.
That is when Lang came up with an innovative fundraising concept: "Get a Butt for the Bowl." First Stop sold Boston butts and other BBQ favorites on Saturday, February 4, the day before Super Bowl 46, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
"It was a success. We wanted to raise funds and build awareness," said Lang. "We had phenomenal support from the community."
Besides the support First Stop received from those buying the butts and other barbecue offerings, the event received support from area schools and businesses.
"We had so many volunteers, including employees from Venturi and Emerson and students from the Lee High School Honor Society and Randolph Middle School girls softball team," said Lang.
But Lang said this event would not have been possible without St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Lobsterfest fundraising fame. The Church, along with its team of Holy Smokers, worked tirelessly to get this fundraiser off the ground.
The funding totals raised from Saturday's "Get a Butt for the Bowl" are still being tallied, but Lang is already looking ahead to what the proceeds will help First Stop accomplish.
First Stop is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Madison County's homeless transition into a self-sufficient, productive life. Caring and compassionate case workers and other staffers work to improve the health and quality of life of the area's homeless through outreach and case management, which leads to transitions into permanent housing and is followed by after-care support.
To learn more about First Stop or to donate, click here.
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