Churches raise funds for growth and spirit

CLOVIS - The past week brought with it varying degrees of success for local church fundraisers.

The goals were similar: to support local organizations, church missions and community engagement.

St. James Episcopal Church hosted their 51st annual chili fundraiser on Monday.

Priest Alan Brockmeier said the event had a lesser turnout this year, with around 170 fewer tickets sold.

"Our pre-sale tickets were up a little bit from what they've always been," said Brockmeier. "Even out of the pre-sold tickets, we had about 100 that were not used. Praise the Lord, we're thankful we did have people. We're just grateful for the people that did come."

He added 570 tickets were sold altogether with 440 attending, a smaller turnout he guessed was due to the windy weather.

Brockmeier said the church made approximately $5,700, including funds used for food.

The church hosts the event to raise money for local organizations including Clovis Christian School, the Lighthouse Mission and the Matt 25 Hope Center.

"It just kind of depends what the needs are and what outreach there's a need for," said Brockmeier. "It's a time we come together as a church. It's a good time for us to reach out to the public and let them know we're here."

The Living Word Church of God Christian Women Connection (CWC) hosted an annual Super Bowl fundraiser on Sunday to raise money for mission trips, with their Valentine's Day fundraiser at 6 p.m. tonight at Living Word Church of God.

Tickets for the dinner are $15 and include a brisket meal with beans, potatoes, salad, desert and other items.

The fundraisers raise money for the CWC Ministries nationwide and abroad, according to church member Bonetta Hutson.

Hutson said the Super Bowl fundraiser was successful enough to purchase items for the Valentine's Day fundraiser, which has its own lofty goals.

"If we raise $1,000, that would be wonderful," said Hutson, with 40 tickets sold as of Monday and with tickets still available through the church for $15.

But the fundraisers are about more than just raising money, she said.

"Really that's like the whip cream," said Hutson. "With our fundraisers, what we're just trying to do is connect people with the community. Food, fun and fellowship, that's our main goal."

"We are seeing the church grow. It's something that we've been praying about for a while now and now we're seeing the fruits of those prayers."

Fundraising successes continued with Share the Love, hosted by Central Baptist Church on Wednesday to raise money for upcoming mission trips.

Trips include traveling to Kenya, Maui, Hawaii and Crownpoint, New Mexico, Student Pastor Paul Allen said.

Administrative Assistant Euealle Webb called the event "another success," something Sherry Best, event committee chair, said as well.

"We had a great turnout," said Best. "The Central Baptist people were great about getting out and being there and supporting it. (The people outside the church) just know it's a fun evening and it's for a great cause and they might get a neat item for a good price."

Best said the fundraising numbers were still being determined with the hopes of reaching a $75,000 goal.

Nevertheless, Best said tickets were sold out and the turnout was packed like in past years.

"Everything's a win," said Best. "We're pleased with whatever we're able to raise. It all goes to a good place."