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 fundraising.
In the early years, fundraisers included haircuts for donations, specialty coffee sales, a Skidoo run, and percentage of sales from restaurants and an athletic wear company. We increased community awareness with Rivermen games, pork chop sandwich sales (Thank you, East Peoria K of C!), Peoria Chiefs games, T-shirt sales, Cardinals calendar sales, and Cubs-Cardinals games bus trips.
Our biggest venture was the Annual Garage sale, complete with Model A rides and ice cream sales. However, after three yearly sale weekends that required MANY volunteers and a large storage space for items that didn’t sell each year, the Board decided to concentrate fundraising efforts on two continuing ventures
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 boost to our fundraising!
BHIK-U has been blessed to receive COUNTLESS hand-crafted quilts, table runners, and pillows over the years from a truly gifted quilter in Wisconsin. Many other talented quilters have also contributed numerous quilted items. Selling them at local fairs (art, vendor, and craft) has had some modest success. We’re happy to announce that our ever-changing and growing inventory of fine quilted goods is now available for purchase at our new Etsy shop: QuiltsofHopeBHIKU. It’s simple to get to our Etsy shop! “QUILT SALE” is the link to our shop, and is found at the bottom of this website’s home page. Please check it out often, as the available quilts are updated often. (Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/quiltsofhopebhiku)
A SAMPLING OF THE DOZENS OF QUILTS IN OUR ETSY SHOP!
Additionally, several of our quilting friends, including Board VP Joan Krogman, belong to the Gems of the Prairie quilt group. We have a booth at their annual August Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show in Peoria, Illinois. We encourage you to check out the lovely, unique items at our Etsy shop and at the Gems’ Quilt Show. (more information at https://gemsoftheprairie.com/quilt-show)
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 visits in 2021 and 2024! 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.