Like many people, I am not always in position to contribute financially – I am always looking for other ways to contribute.​

Most of you have heard me talk about the RaiseRight fundraising program or you have seen me selling gift cards in the Narthex.

I heard about RaiseRight program about 10 years ago. RaiseRight is a program widely used by schools, churches and other organizations for fundraising purposes. The church receives a rebate for all physical and electronic cards purchased and all additional funds applied to reloadable cards. There are hundreds of stores/vendors that offer gift cards with rebates ranging from 1.5% for Visa to 16% or more (Applebees ecard was 18% for a couple of days last week).

We kicked off the program in November 2020 and 7 SLLC families are actively participating at this time. 

St. Luke’s earned over $2000 in 2021, $1659 in 2022, $1570 in 2023 and over $1200 in net proceeds though the end of November 18, 2024. As you can see, this is a downward trend. I’d like to see our participation increase substantially, as these funds are put toward our Missions partners.

If you already bank or use Venmo, Velle or Paypal on your phone, you are already comfortable with using apps to conduct transactions. So why not use the RaiseRight app when shopping, and earn some money for St. Luke's?

Example of how I use RaiseRight: 

I regularly shop at Cub Foods. Cub offers a reloadable card through RaiseRight, so after receiving the physical gift card from RaiseRight, I have continued to add funds to the card via RaiseRight’s RaiseRight App on my cell phone. Funds can usually be added to cards in $10 increments. Cub offers a 4% rebate, so St. Luke’s receives $4 for every $100 added onto my Cub card. From January, 2024 to end of November 18, 2024, St. Luke’s has received $125 in rebates just from purchases that I made on my Cub gift card.  I also use RaiseRight cards when shopping at Target (2.5%), Walmart (2.5%), Applebees (8%), Land’s End (14%), Home Depot (4%), Children’s Place (12%), Menards (3%), Taco Bell (5%) and Scheels (8%). I love that I can contribute to St. Luke’s coffers while stocking my cupboards and filling my belly.   As a bonus, Cub is offering 6% back through Saturday, November 23.

Raise Days are November 21-22 and bonus rebates will be offered on ecards and card reloads for hundreds of brands.

Pros of program:

It is so convenient to shop with the RaiseRight app on a phone or device. It is the easiest way to participate, and it raises the most money for the church since there is no postage fee attached. Reloadable gift cards are available. If you have a child, grandchild or friend who does not live near you, electronic gift cards are available and can be emailed to friends or families. They have added a new program where you earn additional rebates when you shop online.

When you purchase an ecard or reload a gift card on your phone, the funds are delivered immediately. You can fill your shopping cart and add only the funds that you need to purchase the items in your cart – you don’t have to carry around a physical gift card until the next time you shop at a particular store.

RaiseRight offers daily bonus specials – with vendors offering higher rebates for a limited time. There is always a selection of vendors offering bonus rebates.

No activation fee – it often costs $5-$7 to activate a gift Visa card when purchased at local store such as Walgreen’s, Cub, Walmart or a gas station.

Cost to user: 

Value of the gift card. 

Shipping of physical gift cards to home (cost depends on weight/number of cards in envelope)
Service fee – ACH only 29 cents per transaction

Credit card purchase – purchaser pay cc service fee (approx. 2.6%)

Cons:

Not all gift cards are reloadable.

Not all gift cards can be shipped to your home; some are required to be shipped to coordinator. This is determined by the card vendor. (In the Home Improvement category - 14 stores offer physical gift cards, but only 7 stores offer the Ship to Home option).

Cost to ship cards to coordinator - $11.00 per shipment – we need to have a quantity of cards to justify the cost since the shipping costs for cards sent to the coordinator is charged to the church.

Shipping time - 

Physical cards can take anywhere from 3-7 days; maybe more - especially during Holiday season.

If I place an order on Monday for cards that need to be shipped to the coordinator, I usually receive cards by Friday.

People who are interested – send me an email at [email protected]. I will try to be available during WNL and between services on Sunday for the next couple of weeks to answer your questions, but you can contact me any time.

I will respond two emails. One with details of the program; the other with St. Luke’s registration code. Please closely read the email with details of the program!

I’m excited about the RaiseRight program and the fundraising opportunities it offers.

​It is with a very heavy heart to announce that I am taking a step back from my position as the Director of Children and Family Ministries here at St. Luke’s. This has been such an awarding position for me, and I am forever grateful for my time that I have spent here. Know this was not an easy decision for me, as my time here has been filled with so much joy, growth, and connection’s.
 
As I reflect on the last three years, I am incredibly grateful for the relationships I have bult, the families I have had the privilege of supporting, and especially all the wonderful children. This community and the friendships I have made will always be close to my heart.
 
I have also made some amazing memories as well including going on my first ever sailing trip, being a part of the handbell choir, working alongside some amazing people including Pastor Rob, who also officiated my wedding last year, and most importantly being able to see God’s love in action through our ministries.
 
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the entire church staff, the volunteers, and the families for this wonderful opportunity. Your support and dedication have made my role truly fulfilling. It has been a joy to partner with each of you in our mission to guide our children and families in their spiritual journeys.
 
In my remaining time here, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition, and I want to make this as seamless as possible. My last Sunday in my position will be on Sunday, November 24th. Please know that while I may be stepping away from my position, I am not leaving. I have found my home here at St. Luke’s and I am excited to continue to be a part of the St. Luke’s Family. Thank you, St. Luke’s, for your support, your love, and the cherished memories.
 
With love and blessings,
 
Emily Hendricks 

Friday, November 8th from Noon-7 PM
Saturday, November 9th 9 AM – 3 PM

Help make our congregational community event a success. There is something for everyone and you won't want to miss it! Bring the whole family and all your friends together for a fun filled day of holiday wonder!

•  Local Artists will be presenting their…

o  Fused glass creations
o  Olive wood items from the Holy Land
o  Arts & crafts, dried flowers, diamond art
o  Charcuterie boards
o  Ornaments, German stars & handmade gift boxes
o  Quilts, rugs, table runners & hot pads
o  Hand knit hats, mittens and scarves, crocheted items
o  Photography & other framed paintings
o  Collectables & gnomes
o  Jewelry & Clothing, purses & bags
o  Cards & holiday wrap, decorations
o  Stocking stuffers to fit every budget
o  Food, candy & much more 

•   Sambusa Samosa Food Truck will be here with inside seating with more treats & beverages available
•    Fresh baked goods from a micro bakery & preserves & maple syrup
•     Live Music & Demonstrations both days
•     A raffle with expertly hand-crafted items & fun gift baskets with all proceeds going directly to St Luke’s ministries
•     A FREE Kids Market will be staffed by St Luke’s Elves giving away one free gift per child (while supplies last) that includes trinkets, arts & crafts, school supplies, toys & puzzles, clothing, favorite snacks and more
•     Howard Johnson will be on hand making balloon figures and give away candy canes, too

​For questions, please contact Deb Krieg at [email protected] for more information.