$10,000 CHILL OUT DRAWING TO HELP ST. THOMAS BEAT THE HEAT
Imagine sitting in a pew in your church, but instead of worshiping in a comfy 72 degrees, it’s a balmy 88 degrees inside. That could be what St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church is facing if it doesn’t raise $50,000 quickly. If the ailing air conditioning chiller, damaged from wear and salt-water corrosion from the coastal climate fails, the situation could end up being more than just uncomfortable for parishioners.
“It could also ruin the inside of our church, office building and community center,” explained Fr. Satish Adhav, pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. The AC chiller, which is part of the climate control system that makes the air warm or cold, needs to be replaced, but the new parts and repair are estimated at $350,000. “That is a lot of money,“ continued Fr. Satish, “and our church just doesn’t have it right now.”
In simplest terms, Fr. Satish explained that an initial $50,000 is necessary to just order the chiller, and even then, it could take six months or more for the parts to be manufactured and shipped. “We really need the help of everyone in our parish and even those beyond, who have connection to St. Thomas to pull together and help quickly raise the funds necessary to save our church from the heat,” he said.
The parish hopes several fundraisers, especially a $10,000 drawing, will do the trick. Tickets in the drawing are $100 each. A special fundraising “CHILL OUT” event is being planned at 5pm on October 12th where the winning ticket will be drawn. There will be an “insane chili bar,” frozen treats, and a silent auction, as well.
If you or your business would like to be a sponsor of the “CHILL OUT” event and drawing, contact pleblanc@coldwellbanker.com. Tickets for the $10,000 drawing can be purchased at www.saintthomaslb.org or in the St. Thomas the Apostle Church office during regular business hours. If you have an item to donate to the silent auction, please contact suzannewaitsgibson@yahoo.com.
