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In a year dominated by headlines of COVID-19, many people are counting down the days until the next calendar begins.

One local organization is banking on being the source for those calendars.

Stanly Health Foundation is selling calendars that have multiple chances to win cash.

“The idea came from a conversation with my husband,” said Kim McGowen. “He won a prize from a calendar raffle recently that gives away hunting related items. Not being much of a hunter, my response was, ‘That would be really cool if it were cash. Not everyone likes hunting, but most everyone loves cash.’ Since I had just come on board as annual giving officer for Stanly Health Foundation, I began to really put some thought into the idea. After doing the due diligence to be sure we were meeting state guidelines, the Foundation decided to partner with the John P. Murray Community Care Clinic to give it a try. It’s something that has been done in other places, but it’s a fresh idea for our area.”

Stanly Health Foundation partners with Atrium Health Stanly to “improve the
health of everyone in our community,” McGowen said.

The Foundation usually partners with the John P. Murray Community Care Clinic’s Around the Clock Classic softball tournament and “Dancing With the Stars” to benefit the Butterfly House Children’s Advocacy Center.

“Additionally, we work with ADDC and Stanly County Shrine Club to present the Outdoorsman’s Bonanza each March,” McGowen said. “The Foundation’s portion of those proceeds helps us fund the Passport to Health Program in our schools, which teaches the importance of nutrition and exercise to assist in combating childhood obesity.”

The Bonanza was conducted virtually. The softball tournament and dancing events were canceled due to COVID.

“Think Pink Week,” which includes the Play Fore the Cure golf tournament and Dine Out for the Cure restaurant rally, is also uncertain for October. That week helps provide free mammograms for uninsured women in the community.

“In a year faced with many challenges, this contactless fundraiser is a safe alternative to traditional events,” McGowen said of the cash calendar. “Going forward, if it is successful, we hope to make it an annual event. Additional funding would enable us to do even more to support the health of everyone in our area and support the needs of Atrium Health Stanly patients.

McGowen says the effort is off to a “terrific start.”

“As the word has gotten out, calendar sales have quickly increased,” she said. “We hope lots of local folks will purchase them. If so, that prize money would likely go back into our community, as well.”

Each calendar has a number on it. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday of 2021, the Foundation will have cash prizes of $250, $500 and $1,000, respectively.

“Every calendar number is included in every drawing, even if it has already won,” McGowen said. “Additionally, if you purchase your calendar prior to the Nov. 15 Early Bird Deadline, your calendar number is also included in the two Big Money Cash Giveaways. These are $3,000 Memorial Day Vacation Cash and $5,000 Black Friday Holiday Shopping Cash.”

Only 2,000 calendars will be sold. There are 159 chances to win for the $100 price of the calendar. Winners will be posted each day on the Stanly Health Foundation Facebook page.

To purchase a calendar, visit the Stanly Health Foundation office at 217 Yadkin St., Albemarle, or call 980-323-4103 to purchase over the phone. The calendar request form from the flyer, along with payment, can also be mailed to Stanly Health Foundation, PO Box 254, Albemarle, NC 28002.

“It’s sure to make 2021 a winning year for us all, whether you are a cash winner, or you are touched by one of the programs supported from the proceeds,” she said.