By Grace Allen

Norfolk Community Television (NCTV) and the Norfolk Lions Club are teaming up for a unique fundraiser that gives back to the community. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative raises money for families struggling during the pandemic while at the same time shining a spotlight on local businesses.

The two organizations are hosting a series of weekly online raffles for themed “baskets” containing goods and services donated by area businesses. All raffle proceeds will go directly to Norfolk families in need. 

In addition, NCTV is profiling the donors and their businesses through spotlight videos.

“Our goal at NCTV is to provide education and entertainment, so that’s what the videos will focus on,” explained Katy Jefferson, NCTV’s Executive Director. “We’ll get to know the business owners and the people who work with them as they offer educational information about their services in these profiles.”

The NCTV and Norfolk Lions partnership is a natural fit for this particular fundraiser, said Jefferson.

“The Lions Club has a lot of knowledge about fundraisers and their mission aligns closely to the goal of helping the community,” she said. “Our role is to focus on the video side of it. We each bring our own expertise that makes this a really cool initiative.”

Jefferson says the community has been extremely generous with donations. At press time, over 50 local businesses, organizations, and residents have donated goods or services for the raffles.

The first raffle—The Ultimate Auto Package—contained $500 worth of Affluent Auto Studios services, car care services and an auto maintenance class from Norfolk Auto, Inc., $150 towards services at the Cottage Car Wash, and a $15 Eagle Brook Saloon gift card.

“We have enough baskets for almost three months of weekly raffles,” said Jefferson. “It’s pretty exciting and some of the baskets are very creative.”

Raffle tickets are $5 each, three for $12, or seven for $25. Tickets can be purchased between Sunday morning and the following Saturday at 3 p.m. Winners will be drawn and announced on the following Sunday morning.

Visit www.norfolkneighbors.com for more information, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation towards a basket.

To apply as a beneficiary of funds generated through the raffle, contact Kevin Roche, President of the Norfolk Lions, at [email protected]. Confidentiality is assured.