All Proceeds from CRYP’s Creative Annual Fundraisers Support Youth Programming & Reservation-Wide Family Services
Fundraising is critical to the long-term operations of any not-for-profit organization, as the staff and volunteers at Cheyenne River Youth Project® know all too well. They also understand that creative, engaging fundraisers are outstanding tools not only to raise funds to support programming, but also to share the spirit and mission of the organization — and spread a little extra joy.
At press time, CRYP was in the process of arranging its annual Gorilla Grams, the memorable singing messages that have come to define Valentine’s Day on South Dakota’s 2.8-million-acre Cheyenne River reservation. This year’s grams will be delivered on Thursday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We do them every February on or near Valentine’s Day,” said Megan Guiliano, CRYP’s youth programs director. “Anyone on Cheyenne River can order a Gorilla Gram, and the gorilla will go anywhere — to a school, business or home — to deliver a special surprise to as sweetheart or loved one.”
During a CRYP Gorilla Gram delivery, the gorilla dances and presents the subject with a special Valentine’s Day goodie bag. A violinist and cellist will accompany the gorilla singer, and for the romantic grams, the song of choice will be Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”
Each Gorilla Gram is priced at $15. Payment must be made in full prior to delivery.
In addition to promoting the Gorilla Grams, CRYP also is still selling tickets for its Winter Star Quilt Raffle, with a handmade Lakota star quilt christened “Winter on the Plains” as grand prize. Tickets are priced at $1 apiece or six for $5, and they will be available until the end of the business day on March 14. The raffle drawing will take place on March 15.
According to Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director, the Gorilla Grams and the Winter Star Quilt Raffle are perfect examples of CRYP’s focus on creative, proactive fundraising.
“We’re always looking for new, fun ways to raise money for the project, and so many of our best ideas have come from our interns and volunteers,” she said. “In particular, community fundraisers like the Gorilla Grams are so rewarding for us as well as for our local community. We want to make everyone feel part of our organization, and we want to show how grateful we are for Cheyenne River’s support.”
To purchase Gorilla Grams, call (605) 964-8200 or visit the Cokata Wiconi reception desk. To purchase raffle tickets, send cash, checks or money orders to: Cheyenne River Youth Project, Attn: Winter Star Quilt, P.O. Box 410, Eagle Butte, SD 57625. You also may pay online at www.lakotayouth.org. Simply click the “Donate Now” button on the home page, and put “Winter on the Plains” in the notes section when paying with a credit card. Do not write the word “raffle” anywhere in the payment.
To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project® and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, visit the youth project’s Facebook “Cause” page. All Cause members will receive regular updates through Facebook.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project®, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.