The Blackfoot This past Saturday, the Colonial Inn hosted the annual dart benefit for the Bingham Crisis Center, which raised over $7,400 in a single night.
The dart fundraiser was in its ninth year. It has been arranged annually by Linzi Gasper, a member of the crisis center’s board of directors. When grants and other funding sources ran out, she initially organized the event to help close the gaps in funding.
“I decided that I belong to a large dart community in the Blackfoot/Idaho Falls area, and we decided to do a benefit to see if we could raise enough money to buy them a new water heater because the water heater went out and we didn’t have the money to get it fixed,” Gasper said.
Gasper raised $800 the first year of the event, which was sufficient to buy a new water heater. The event has seen an increase in both sponsors and participation throughout the years. These days, it raises thousands annually.
It has helped us pay off the building and is our best fundraiser each year. According to Scott Smith, executive director of the crisis center, it has enabled us to update our shelters and also helps us bridge our gaps. Simply put, this fills up the gaps in our grants when there is insufficient funds.
According to assistant director Josephine Thyberg, the majority of funds only pay for specific items, such as essential operating costs. The dart tournament is one fundraiser that helps make up for that.
The tournament’s competitors fought for medals for first, second, and third place. According to Gasper, the Toilet Bowl Award, which is given to the night’s weakest squad, is the most sought-after award.
A taco bar, two distinct raffle tables, and an auction were all part of the dart benefit. Participants and the event organizers donated items for the raffle and auction. The crisis center received all funds.
In the first year, we only had the raffle, and over time, we have simply increased it. According to Gasper, the auction is actually what generates the greatest revenue for us.
The Bingham Crisis Center serves all of Bingham County and deals with concerns of sexual and domestic abuse. Although their offerings vary based on the circumstances, they typically include emergency shelter, individual therapy, and advocacy support. Aberdeen, Shelley, and Blackfoot are among its locales.
Visit its website to learn more or to make a donation.
