Chamber cancels portions of online Community Benefit

The Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Monday the cancellation of the 2020 Lincoln Community Benefit slated for Nov. 7.

Although the online auction fundraiser that is currently underway on Facebook will continue through noon, Nov. 8, the LVCC board opted to cancel the rest of the planned Benefit events due to flat ticket sales.

Concerns about COVID-19, prompted the Chamber to plan this year's benefit as an online event through Facebook Live that would have included the traditional ticket number game and a performance by the Lincoln Community Players.

Organizers had hoped the draw of ticket number game - which gives ticketholders a chance to win up to $5000, a comedic two-person performance featuring Community Players Teresa Garland and John Beckman and a desire to support the Chamber's annual community events would be enough to support ticket sales this year, but sales fell far shorter than expected.

According to LVCC board member Erin Dey, the directors agreed ticket sales were too low to cover the prize for ticket number game and other costs related to printing and advertising.

In a statement released online Monday morning, the LVCC directors thanked everyone who bought tickets this year.

"Not having the benefit really impacts this organization. We really count on ticket sales. I realize a lot of you are disappointed, but we can't lose money on our main fundraiser," ," Dey said. "Money will be very tight next year, so please bid up those baskets in the online auction. As usual we've gotten really nice baskets again this year and we still need to raise money for fireworks, advertising and basic operations."

Ticketholders can contact Chamber Treasurer Whitney Woodland by Saturday, Nov. 7 for a refund for the price of their ticket or , if they'd prefer, they can also opt to donate the price of the ticket to support the LVCC.

"We want to thank the Community Players who did all the work of organizing a special online COVID show. We also want to thank all of the businesses and individuals who agreed to provide matching funds for the 11th Chair." The LVCC statement also read.

The Chamber board further thanked the businesses, organizations and individuals who donated to the online auction.

"We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Lincoln community and continue to look for ways going forward that the Chamber can help build business opportunities," the board's statement concluded. "Whether or not you're a member, we would love to see you at our upcoming Chamber meetings to carry the discussion forward on ways to benefit the community. Please feel free to reach out to Chamber Board members at any time with ideas, suggestions, and feedback."