Burlington, VT—Von Bargen’s Jewelry has donated a gold pendant valued at $4,550 to Howard Center for the Creating Hope raffle to raise funds for Street Outreach. All 150 tickets sold out in the first 24 hours of the raffle. A winner will be drawn February 1.
The raffle prize is a stunning piece of jewelry that was recently returned to Von Bargen’s after a theft from their store on Church Street. Von Bargen’s staff hope to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to benefit Howard Center’s Street Outreach team whose work supports the downtown district every day.
“We are honored to donate this pendant for the raffle and hope that it will bring our community together to support the vital work of Howard Center and the Street Outreach team,” added Ali Dumont, store manager at Von Bargen’s Jewelry.
Entries to the raffle were sold on Howard Center’s website at $50 each on January 18. The drawing will take place on February 1 at Howard Center.
“We are touched by the generosity and compassion Von Bargen’s. It is a wonderful way to assist members of our community that are struggling,” said Tammy Boudah, Street Outreach team leader. “This raffle will generate funds to provide immediate, tangible support for our clients and will make a difference in the lives of many of individuals who have few options.”
Howard Center Street Outreach specialists work with police, downtown merchants, and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs.