By Christopher Evans and Holly Berman
Special to the Sounder
For those who know the Healing Arts Center, the presence of our historic farmhouse on North Beach Road is a familiar and enduring sight in Eastsound.
At more than 100 years old, this farmhouse has been well loved by residents, and in the last 24 years, by its long list of supporters.
Currently, our beloved home needs a new roof. In June, we were the recipients of an Orcas Island Community Foundation grant of $1000, which seeded our fundraising efforts for this roof. We intend to put a long-life metal roof on our historic building and have secured a favorable agreement with local contractor, Paul Groeninger. Paul’s willingness to work with us collaboratively is essential in keeping the cost within reach. We decided to fundraise for the remainder of the cost by bartering what we do best – our healing work. A raffle aimed to “raise the roof”… a “roofle,” perhaps?
The raffle is a bonanza of 25 prizes aimed to heal. We will start the drawing of names for 22 or more bonus prizes that include donations from other local island businesses and gift certificates for one-hour treatments with each of the specific practitioners at the center. Third prize is a coupon book of three one-hour treatments, valued at $210. Second prize is a coupon book of six one-hour treatments, valued at $420. The grand prize is a coupon book of 12 one-hour treatments with any of our practitioners, valued at $840. These coupons can be used by the winner, may be given away as gifts or donated to other non-profits on island to benefit their fundraising needs.
Tickets are $20 each or a book of six for $100. We will sell a maximum of 777 tickets, making the odds of winning a prize better than 1 in 30. Tickets are available now from any of the Healing Arts Center practitioners and at our reception desk, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The raffle drawing will be held at the Healing Arts Center on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. Ticket holders are invited to be present at the drawing, however winners need not be present to win.
Our goal for the new roof is to raise $15,000. Once that goal is reached we will seek additional funding for a water catchment system. For everyone wishing to make contributions to the preservation of this historic building and/or the Healing Arts Center in general, an account has been established at Islander’s Bank named “The Healing Arts Center Abundance Fund.” Our organization is a 501 c-3 non-profit and contributions are tax deductible.
Christopher Evans and Holly Berman are practitioners at the Healing Arts Center.
