Lions Club Raffle and Live Auction Sunday
Tickets are still available for the 3rd Annual Greater Pine Island Lions Club Raffle and Live Auction fund-raiser, which will be held this weekend.
“This year we have reduced the cost of the tickets to $50 each,” Greater Pine Island Lions Club President Mary Von Burg said.
Each ticket holder will also have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet meal, including Florida peel-and-eat shrimp, Hawaiian meatballs, chicken wings and lots of sides, veggies, fruit and desserts, as well as coffee.
“This is a BYOB,” Von Burg said. “The St. James Civic Center does not allow us to sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own. Ice is provided.”
In addition, the ticket holder will also have a chance to win any of the raffle prizes: $1,000 first prize, $500 for second prize and $100 for third and fourth prizes.
The event will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, at the St. James Civic Center from 6-10 p.m.
Von Burg said the event will include a live auction all evening long with items donated by the community and statewide.
Those interested in attending can call 283-9761 for tickets.
The funds generated from the event will stay on the island to help those who cannot afford eye exams, glasses and eye surgeries, as well as hearing aids.
“Last year, four of those sent for eye exams were found to have problems that needed emergency surgeries to save their eyesight,” Von Burg said. “Working with our Lions Foundation for the blind, we were able to obtain services locally (Fort Myers) and they are now able to see with only an annual follow-up.”
The proceeds will also go towards the Lions Club play-picnic park, which is located at 4th and Lemon streets behind the St. James Civic Center.
“This takes a toll on our pocket book,” Von Burg said, due to the Lions Club maintaining and upgrading the playground yearly. “Thanks to the Greater Pine Island Cub Scouts, and their moms and dads, for helping pick up the trash and debris monthly to help keep the park beautiful.”