by Sarah DeMaranville
In Geneseo, community support often shows up in familiar ways—events, fundraisers, and local partnerships that bring people together for a shared cause. A new collaboration between the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo and Raelyn’s is doing just that, with a weekly fundraiser that blends entertainment, generosity, and a little bit of suspense.
The Queen of Hearts fundraiser, now underway at Raelyn’s, offers participants the chance to support local animals while taking part in a growing, community-driven game that builds momentum week after week.
How It Works
At its core, the fundraiser is simple: participants purchase raffle tickets and select a numbered envelope, each concealing a playing card from a shuffled deck. During the weekly drawing, one ticket is selected—and if that ticket corresponds to the envelope hiding the Queen of Hearts, the winner takes home the jackpot.
If not, the selected card is revealed and removed from play, and the jackpot rolls over, growing larger each week.
Drawings are held every Wednesday evening at Raelyn’s, creating a consistent opportunity for the community to gather, connect, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
More Than a Game
While the format adds excitement, the purpose behind the fundraiser is what truly matters.
All proceeds benefit the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, supporting their ongoing efforts to care for animals, provide shelter, and connect pets with loving homes. Fundraisers like this play a critical role in sustaining those services.
A Community Collaboration
This partnership reflects a broader trend seen across Geneseo: local businesses and organizations working together to create experiences that benefit the entire community.
Raelyn’s provides the space and weekly gathering point, while the humane society brings the mission and impact. The result is a fundraiser that feels less like an obligation and more like a shared experience. Participants aren’t just buying a ticket—they’re becoming part of a weekly rhythm that supports a local cause.
Building Momentum Week by Week
One of the defining features of the Queen of Hearts fundraiser is its ability to grow over time.
As cards are removed and the jackpot increases, interest builds. What may start as a modest gathering can quickly turn into a highly anticipated weekly event, drawing both regular participants and new faces.
That steady momentum not only increases engagement but also amplifies the fundraiser’s impact.
An Invitation to Participate
Whether you’re a regular at Raelyn’s or simply looking for a new way to support a local cause, the Queen of Hearts fundraiser offers a low-barrier way to get involved.
Each ticket purchased contributes directly to the Humane Society’s work—while also offering a chance to be part of something fun, social, and community-driven.
As the weeks progress and the jackpot grows, so does the opportunity to make a difference.
Supporting Local, Together
In our small town, partnerships like this matter. They strengthen connections between businesses, organizations, and residents—and they create opportunities to support causes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Queen of Hearts fundraiser is more than a game. It’s a reminder that when local organizations collaborate, the entire community benefits.