MOUNT VERNON – Try to imagine a scenario in which a donkey could be the star performer in a local fundraiser. Come up with anything?
The Winter Sanctuary homeless shelter in Mount Vernon will hold a Donkey Doo fundraising event 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 27.
The homeless shelter is selling tickets corresponding to squares marked out on a field at 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon, behind Knox County Head Start and the Knox County Health Department. When donkeys released into the field make droppings in a square, the holder of a ticket for that square wins a prize. Tickets are $5 each.
The prizes donated by local businesses will include a 52-inch flat screen TV, hotel accommodations, and a “new car” cleanup and oil changes. Proceeds will benefit the homeless shelter.
The idea to use farm animal droppings in an enlarged bingo board is not original, says Winter Sanctuary board member Terry Walter. The same kind of event, except with cows, has been utilized locally and in other towns in Central Ohio. Donkeys became the animal of choice for the Winter Sanctuary event because they were available from a local farm supply company, Walter said.
Spectators can watch the action from behind a fence that will enclose the field. Ticket holders do not need to be present at the event in order to win. But rooting for a donkey to select your square is a big part of the fun. “It’s not just about selling tickets and winning prizes, but about being able to actually participate to see what goes on,” Walter said. Coffee and water will be available by donation.
There is a backup plan in case no, or insufficient, droppings are forthcoming from the donkeys: Volunteers will toss Styrofoam balls onto the field to simulate the dispersal of droppings.
For tickets, call Heidi at (740) 392-9277.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.