It comes as no big surprise that overall fundraising totals for relief sales in the Great Lakes region are down somewhat from last year. Final numbers are still being calculated, but preliminary numbers show a drop in total revenue.
The news isn’t all bad, though. In fact, the Northern Michigan Relief Sale in Fairview, Michigan, actually saw their total revenue increase $9,000 from last year.
The gap between this year’s and last year’s total revenue for the sales is smaller than many expected, and several other sales saw increases in various areas. For example, the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale in Goshen, Indiana, saw a strong increase in food sales, despite the decrease in auction sales. And although their Penny Power totals were down slightly, the number of churches participating actually rose.
Relief sale committees continue to develop fun, new ways to raise support for MCC, in spite of the expected and realized decline in revenue. And MCC supporters continue to turn out by the thousands and generously support the events.
One of the new features at the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale in Kidron, Ohio, was a cornhole (bean bag toss) tournament, where teams of two competed against other duos in the popular backyard game.
At the Michiana sale, this was the first year for “Just Rice,” an educational booth that offered plain rice for a donation. Over $900 was raised as visitors learned how many people could be fed a bowl of rice with their donation.
The “Oozeball” tournament at the Black Swamp Benefit Bazaar in Wauseon, Ohio, continues to provide fun and entertainment. This year, 100 games in the mud volleyball tournament were played in only five hours.
One thing that clearly remains is the feeling of excitement and support that continues to permeate the sales throughout the Great Lakes region.
Many thanks to each of you who participated in relief sales this year, and we look forward to the 2010 relief sales!
For more information about relief sales, visit reliefsales.mcc.org
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