21 Sep 2020 St. Joseph supporters announce raffle plans

Posted at 4:13 PMh in News by

Even though the St. Joseph Bazaar – a summertime tradition in the 501 – was cancelled, organizers are moving forward with two of the event’s fundraising activities.

This would have been the 108th annual event, which was cancelled because of the COVID-19 health crisis. It typically includes box lunches, a spaghetti dinner, a midway, a raffle, a silent auction, games and carnival food. In addition, raffle tickets are typically sold for a chance to win a vehicle and other prizes. Proceeds benefit St. Joseph School in Conway.

St. Joseph School students with the 2019 Ford Ranger Truck from Smith Ford that will be given away this year as part of the virtual St. Joseph Bazaar: Hudson Moix (from left), Zoe Echols, Emerson Williams, Avery Hiegel and John Ellis Embry. Tickets can be purchased by calling the parish office at 501.327.6568 or the endowment office at 501.329.1818. Winners will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 24.

“St. Joseph Parish has a long history of supporting Catholic education, and the Bazaar is no exception,” said Austin Beam, a 1999 graduate of St. Joseph School and chairman of the Bazaar committee. “Just like the last 107 years, Bazaar proceeds ensure that the children of the parish and school have everything that is needed for an exceptional Catholic education.”

Austin, who also serves on the St. Joseph School Board, said the event has evolved over the years since its inception in 1912. “This year, there is more of a need than ever before to evolve. Although the in-person fellowship aspect may not be possible, the core mission, rooted in an exceptional Catholic education, remains as strong as ever.”  

The committee has purchased a 2019 Ford Ranger Truck from Smith Ford and is moving forward with plans to sell raffle tickets. The second place prize is a Franchi Affinity 12-gauge shotgun valued at $1,200, donated by Dental Solutions of Conway, Dr. Greg Simon, Dr. David Reese and Dr. Ray Hambuchen. The third prize is $500 in cash.

Tickets are $2 for one ticket, $10 for six tickets, $20 for 18 tickets and $100 for 100 tickets. 

In addition, tickets are available for another fundraiser named Raffle Row. Prizes include a diamond necklace from Francis M. Jewelry and a pizza oven (valued at $4,200): St. Joseph School tuition credit of $2,500: Steve Griffith and Vivian Noe Griffith artwork ($2,000 value); a $500 Strain Photography gift card; an ice chest stocked with beverages (valued at more than $700); $500 in cash; and two front row reserved parking spaces at St. Joseph Gym.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the parish office at 501.327.6568 or the endowment office at 501.329.1818. Winners will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 24.

Last year, the Bazaar raised $115,000 for the school. “As you know, our Bazaar is a wonderful opportunity for St. Joseph families to come together and build relationships while raising money to offset operational costs of the school as well as reduce tuition costs,” stated a Facebook post.