Northern Berkshire United Way Sets 'Calcutta' Fundraiser
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire United Way is looking at a boost as it moves into the final leg of its annual campaign drive with a "Calcutta" fundraiser on Friday, May 10, from 5 to 9 at Mount Greylock Bowl and Golf.
"The Northern Berkshire United Way is very excited to be hosting its' first-ever Calcutta raffle event," said Joseph McGovern, executive director of the nonprofit agency. "We hope to offer a fun-filled night while raising dollars to help our community."
The term "Calcutta" is from a auction-wagering system most often used in sports, especially golf, when participants "bid" on teams (including their own) with various rules on how the pot is won.
The system has been simplified and popularized as a fundraising tool that puts a twist on the usual 50/50 raffle.
Tickets are $50 for an evening of socializing and activities. There will be free bowling and corn hole games, and a chance to win a closest-to-the-pin contest in the golf simulators. It includes a cash bar and light hors d'ouevres at 6.
The big prize is a $1,000. Only 150 tickets will be sold; beginning at 7 p.m., tickets (entry forms) will be drawn. Those selected will be eliminated — though they may win a prize — until only 10 tickets are left.
That's when the twist begins — the group must unanimously decide at each step whether to split the $1,000 or to continue to eliminate names until only one is left.
An anonymous donor has also pledged to donate $2,500 to the campaign if all 150 tickets to the event are sold.
Northern Berkshire United Way supports more than 20 member agencies in North County ranging from Elder Services of Berkshire County to the Girl Scouts to the Berkshire Food Project.
This year, the 76-year-old agency is trying to raise $550,000 to support the efforts of nonprofit programs directly affecting the residents of Northern Berkshire. The results of that effort will be announced later this spring at the annual campaign breakfast.
"I would also like to thank our campaign co-Chairs Rob Abel and Ozzie Alvarez for once again stepping up and doing all they can to make sure the NBUW reaches this years' goal," said McGovern. "The money raised will go to the 22 member agencies who each and every day make a difference in the lives of residents of North County."
Tickets can be purchased by contacting the NBUW at 413-663-9062.
Disclosure: Alvarez is owner of Boxcar Media, publisher of iBerkshires, and a principal in the bowling alley.
Tags: fundraiser, NBUW, raffle,
