SLITERS playhouse raffle continues online to support Flathead nonprofits

Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, SLITERS Lumber and Building Supply is continuing its DreamBuilders Playhouse raffle by offering tickets online. Proceeds from the raffle will be split evenly among the Nurturing Center, CASA for Kids of Flathead County, Bigfork ACES and the West Shore Food Bank, according to a press release issued Thursday. Tickets can be purchased through April 17 at www.sliters.com/raffle and the drawing will be held Saturday, April 18.

“This is an unprecedented time for our community to come together to support each other and especially children and families who are most in need,” said Andrea Sliter Goudge of SLITERS Lumber and Building Supply. “Right now, our goal for the DreamBuilders Playhouse raffle is to offer community members a fun way to infuse much-needed funds into four very vital organizations.”

All four nonprofits benefiting from the raffle are extending vital services to children and families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bigfork ACES After-School program is abiding by school closure guidelines, but has adapted its services to offer “grab-and-go” dinners Monday through Friday. Any child or family member, regardless if they are registered with ACES or not, can pick up a meal from the ACES building at 801 Grand Drive in Bigfork.

The West Shore Food Bank, located at 140 Bill’s Road in Lakeside, remains open and is providing prepackaged bags of groceries to customers with a drive-through pick up.

“We’re taking a lot of steps to protect customers, and we have a lot of really good volunteers that have stepped up to put together bags and hand them out,” said Rick Redfield of the West Shore Food Bank. “We are really fortunate right now, but it’s still early. I might change my tune in three weeks.”

CASA for Kids of Flathead County continues to serve children who may be especially at risk of child abuse and neglect during this time.

“Right now, especially, it’s very important to support advocacy for abuse and neglect because stress is up. There are more children home and less surveillance with the various situations going on during COVID-19,” said Daniel Verardo of CASA. “We’re very concerned for our families and the health and psychological health in the community.”

The fourth organization to benefit from the raffle is the Nurturing Center, a nonprofit based in Kalispell that works to strengthen families through educational classes and by providing family resources.

“The funds from the raffle proceeds will allow the Nurturing Center to support child care providers, families in need of assistance with child care expenses, and the education of those involved with supporting, nurturing and caring for children,” said Jen White, operation manager of the Nurturing Center.

Raffle tickets for the SLITERS’ DreamBuilders Playhouse are available through April 17 for $10 each or $100 for 11 tickets online at www.sliters.com/raffle or through the Nurturing Center at bit.ly/Playhouse2020. After the winner is announced on April 18, SLITERS’ team members will deliver the playhouse to the winning family.