Fundraising
Since fundraising began in earnest in 2017, supporters of the mission of Building Hope in Kids – Uganda have donated more than $3.5 million. Much of this amount has been raised by direct donations to BHIK-U. The rest has come from the many fundraisers that have been held.
The following have become annual events due to their popularity & success:
Peoria Chiefs Baseball Games
The Peoria, Illinois Chiefs minor league team has partnered with BHIK-U since 2017. BHIK-U gets a percentage of advance ticket sales by BHIK-U, and BHIK-U members sell tennis balls for the post-game Tennis Ball Toss. The Chiefs feature Building Hope in Kids – Uganda on their scoreboard as one of the groups attending the game, and share the tennis ball sales with BHIK-U. The games are generally followed by a FANTASTIC fireworks show, and are a great outing for family fun! Thanks to the Peoria Chiefs organization for their ongoing support!
Benefit / Garage Sales
This annual event has grown each year, thanks to the many volunteers who help with donations, setup, sales, and wrap-up. There is NO clothing, but almost anything else you can hope to find! Jewelry, craft supplies, housewares, collectibles, bicycles, toys, sports equipment, wall décor, furniture, tools… you’ll find it at the BHIK-U garage sale! It’s held in Washington, IL, near the Square, on the second weekend of June. Help is ALWAYS appreciated! Contact one of these Board Members to volunteer for garage sale help: Adolph Arnold (309) 264-7221, Joan Krogman (309) 229-3001, or Kay Lee (309) 251-7488.
BHIK-U Quilt Sales
It all began as donations of quilts to send to Uganda for the students. However, the logistics & cost of shipping additional quilts and the growing number of students led to the decision to conduct quilt sales and donate the money raised. Thanks to the amazing efforts and generosity of some very talented quilters, BHIK-U’s ongoing quilt sales have been a real blessing! Board member Joan Krogman, an accomplished quilter herself, coordinates the quilt sales at various central Illinois venues and our ongoing online sale: www.tinyurl.com/ugandaquilts. From baby quilts to table runners, wall hangings to queen size, you can find the perfect quilt there!
Quilts are also available at The Bent Penny in Washington, Illinois. See more, plus their online auction at: www.facebook.com/shopthebentpenny
Annual Golf Outings
Our BHIK-U Golf Outings have steadily grown in popularity and success, thanks to our many supporters who “love the links” - - and all those who contribute by sponsoring a hole, donating prizes, or helping at the outings. Quail Meadows Golf Course in East Peoria has been our gracious host. The day on the course is followed by a banquet and awards. You don’t have to be an excellent golfer to have a ball; Fr. Julius played a round when he was back for a visit in 2021! The more golfers there are, the more fun! (& the more mulligans!)
Adolph Arnold, BHIK-U Board member and Fundraising Chair, appreciates ALL of the volunteers who make our fundraisers so successful! If you’d like to get involved with our events, call or text Adolph (“Arnie”) at (309) 264-7221.