By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
One of the most popular — and tasty — annual Holy Family Elementary School fundraisers is set to return Sunday, bringing an opportunity for area residents a chance to support the school and win one of a number of prizes.
The annual Chili Supper and Bazaar is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holy Family Elementary, 1800 Milner.
“Come and support our schools support our teachers, our kids,” said event co-chair Ryan Pfannenstiel. “This is open to everybody. You don't have to be a holy family or a TMP family to come. It's community-wide. Come and have a great meal, bid on some really awesome prizes.”
As one of the largest fundraisers of the year, she said the funds raised are used to directly support school operations.
Meals will be served for dining in person, but to-go and drive-through options will also be available.
“So, if you don't feel comfortable eating with us, still come get a great meal feed your family,” Pfannenstiel said.
Along with chili, cinnamon rolls, brownies and chicken sandwiches will also be served.
A warm meal might be a draw, but that is only a part of the experience.
“The game room is going to be back for the kids to play while the parents ... look at the silent auction and do raffle stuff,” said Jessica Acosta. “They're going to have bingo and, of course, the cakewalk.”
“Classroom teachers have finalized their 'Feed the Pig' lists, which are fun incentives for their students to earn special dress-up days and activities while earning more funds for the school,” according to the school’s website. “Our classroom 'pigs' have become a huge part of our chili supper, earning our school thousands of dollars in prior years, and you can donate to any classroom pig through the night of the chili supper.”
Children attending the fundraiser will also have the opportunity to visit the Scholastic Book Fair in the school library.
Book fair proceeds will be used to purchase new books for the library.
Raffle items this year include a Napolean gas grill, a $1,000 cash prize, Airpod Pros, children’s bikes, a 43-inch smart TV, activity memberships, gift cards and more.
“If you're busy on Sunday, you can also come by on Saturday, check out our silent auction items, our book fair and our raffle,” Pfannenstiel said. Items will be displayed in the school gym.
Items included in the silent auction will also be available to view, and bidding will be done online.
Meal tickets for the event run $4 per child ages 4 through 12 and $8 per adult and can be purchased at the door. Children under 3 are free.
Once again, organizers expect a good turnout.
"That's a great thing about Hays. I mean, everybody just comes out and supports everybody, whether you're part of our school or just our community Pfannenstiel said."
Cover image courtesy Pixabay