WNY's first virtual meat and veggie raffle, 'Chillin' and Grillin,' set for July 28

Just in time for grilling season, a new online virtual event, “Chillin’ and Grillin,’ ” is set for July 28, benefiting the Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO). “Chillin’ and Grillin’ ” is Western New York’s first virtual meat and veggie raffle. Funds raised will help CAO continue its programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets are available at chillinandgrillin.org for $50 and include entry into all 12 rounds of drawings, with three spins and winners per round, entry into three bonus rounds, entry into a gift card raffle, and entry in a 50/50 drawing. Add-on opportunities include grand prize tickets for a 5-foot cubic freezer full of meat, and 4-K UHD Smart LED Roku TV, as well as extra tickets for the 50/50 raffles.

Art from Arty Party will be spinning the big wheel, just as if one were there on his Facebook page live and on chillinandgrillin.org on July 28. Ticketholders do not need to be tuned in to win.

Meats are being provided by Pellicano's Marketplace and include steaks, chicken, burgers, sausage, eggs, bacon, brisket filet, lobster, turkey, ribs, hot dogs, corn, tomatoes, squash and potatoes.

CAO Vice President of Development Thomas Kane shifted to a virtual meat raffle after the agency’s meat raffle was cancelled in March due to the health crisis. He thought a virtual event would be a fun way for the community to help a cause that has stepped up a great deal for Western New York residents in need during in past months.

“Summer is all about grilling with your family and friends, so this event will help Western New Yorkers who want to stock up on meat and veggies to grill up,” Kane said. “There will be more than 100 winners, and they can pick up their winnings at Pellicano's Marketplace on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are still seeking sponsors for the event.”

Potential sponsors or anyone with questions regarding the event can call Kane at 716-533-8557.

Ticket numbers will be randomly generated and assigned at the close of ticket sales, which is a few days before the event. Ticketholders will receive an email from CAO with their assigned numbers at that time.

About CAO of WNY

The Community Action Organization of WNY was designated in 1965 as the official antipoverty agency for Erie County with a mission to serve the unmet needs of the low-income population. Today, CAO serves more than 50,000 families and individuals within Erie and Niagara counties through a variety of programs and services. Visit caowny.org for more information.