Valley Mission holds UTV raffle to build new rescue mission facility

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Valley Mission is holding a raffle for a 2019 Cub Cadet MX 750 EPS UTV to raise money for its new rescue mission facility in Pocatello.

All proceeds from the raffle will go directly toward construction of the organization's new facility. Valley Mission purchased the former Metro Gym and Spa in 2020 and has been renovating the building into a full-service shelter.

Total project costs are estimated at approximately $2.6 million. Valley Mission is currently just over $600,000 away from reaching its fundraising goal.

A local community member donated the UTV to help close the remaining funding gap. Karl Pettit, director of Valley Mission, expressed appreciation for the support. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from one of our community members. His support and belief in what we are building is inspiring. This raffle gives someone the opportunity to win a great UTV while helping us take another important step toward opening the doors of this new facility,” Pettit said.

Once complete, the new facility will bring multiple services together in one location. Plans include a food pantry, an 18-bed emergency shelter, a commercial kitchen and dining area, a medical clinic, administrative offices, a 16-bed Transformational Living Program and office space for up to five local partner agencies. Pettit highlighted the organization's progress toward opening the full-service shelter. “We can see the finish line and that is incredibly exciting. Every ticket purchased helps move us closer to a facility that will provide food, safe shelter, practical resources and opportunities for people to begin rebuilding their lives,” Pettit said.

Construction remains ongoing at the site. Work crews are aiming to open the new food pantry this fall, with the emergency shelter scheduled to open by winter.

Raffle tickets are $20 each, or six for $100. Tickets are available at www.valleymission.org/events/utv-raffle/