NEW BEDFORD The COVID-19 pandemic created hurdles for the annual Prize-A-Palooza, but it couldn t stop the event from raising money for families in need. Our event was a huge success, way better than anticipated, was how Kristen Lancaster summed up this year s Prize-A-Palooza raffle event that serves as a major fundraiser for the Neediest Families Fund.
The huge raffle, with over 100 prizes donated by businesses and individuals, is usually held in person, but the coronavirus pandemic shifted the event to all virtual this year. I missed seeing all of the people live and in person. I missed hearing all of the cheers of excitement when someone won and I missed seeing everyone having fun, but if we had to do this again, at least we know that it was a success and it can work like this, Lancaster said.