TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting many local businesses, but area nonprofits are using fundraisers to climb out of the hole left behind by the virus.
The Terre Haute German Oberlander Club has been around for nearly 54 years. Club Vice President Brad Cress said nearly all of its budget is generated by its Oktoberfest Celebration.
The celebration was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, and the organization was nearly forced to disband.
“Oktoberfest is pretty much our entire annual operating budget,” Cress said. “Without having an event like this and providing the party, it makes it very difficult for us to continue our normal operations.”
Although Cress said he has fears of the Delta COVID-19 variant, he is optimistic about bringing the party back to Terre Haute.
“I am cautiously terrified that it’s going to be a huge crowd because of the pent up demand,” Cress said. “We miss getting out and talking to the people because it brings all the community together.”
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum was struck hard by COVID-19. Executive Director Susan Turner said the museum relies heavily upon fundraising.
“Having these fundraisers and having donors make donations to the museum for unrestricted uses is critically important especially last year and this year,” Turner said.
The Museum held a ‘Childrens Top Chef’ over the weekend to raise money. Turner said this was a success and she Is appreciative of the community’s support.
“Time after time our community steps up to support the museum and all that we have going on,” Turner said.
