Celebrating Wags to Riches and looking ahead to the Duck Pluck
At Gleaning For The World, every program we support is rooted in a simple goal: meeting real needs with compassion, dignity, and care. This past month, we saw that mission come to life in two meaningful ways through our Wags to Riches raffle and the launch of our upcoming Gleaning Duck Pluck.
Wags to Riches
Our second annual Wags to Riches raffle wrapped up at the end of February, and we are grateful for the incredible support from our community. This fundraiser continues to play an important role in sustaining Gleaning For Pets, a program dedicated to helping animal shelters, rescues, and families across Virginia.
Tickets were just ten dollars each, and every ticket provided 28 chances to win. Even winning tickets were placed back into the drawing, giving participants multiple opportunities throughout the month. This year, more than four thousand dollars in prizes were awarded, including gift cards and a cabin getaway for two.
Since 2021, Gleaning For Pets has supported more than 80 animal shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, and pet pantry programs across the Commonwealth. Together, we have distributed over 1.7 million pounds of pet food and supplies, and we are on track to reach 2 million pounds by the end of this year.
By providing these essential resources at a fraction of retail cost, we allow our partner organizations to focus their financial resources on veterinary care and critical operations. This support helps pet owners continue caring for their animals during difficult times and reduces the number of pets surrendered to already overburdened shelters. In many cases, it also helps preserve the bond between people and their pets.
Gleaning Duck Pluck
As we celebrate the success of Wags to Riches, we are also looking ahead to a new and exciting opportunity to serve our local community. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Gleaning For The World will host our inaugural Gleaning Duck Pluck, a fun, family-friendly event designed to support our Helping Our Neighbors program here in Central Virginia.
Helping Our Neighbors focuses on individuals and families who may not qualify for traditional assistance but still face real and urgent needs. This includes those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, financial hardship, isolation, or other challenging circumstances. The program allows us to respond quickly and directly, ensuring that help reaches people when it is needed most.
The Duck Pluck event will take place at American Legion Lake in Lynchburg and will bring the community together for a day of fun and purpose. Admission is free, and families can enjoy food trucks, games, a kids zone, local vendors, and more.
At the center of the event is the Duck Pluck itself. Participants can purchase ducks for ten dollars each, and during the event, ducks will be randomly selected for prizes. The first three ducks drawn will win top prizes of 2,500 dollars, 1,000 dollars, and 500 dollars.
Every duck purchased helps support families and individuals in need right here in our community.
One Mission with Many Ways to Make an Impact
Whether through caring for pets across Virginia or supporting neighbors close to home, these efforts are connected by a shared purpose. They reflect the heart of Gleaning For The World and the generosity of those who partner with us.
We are grateful for everyone who participated in Wags to Riches and for those who will join us for the Duck Pluck. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of both people and animals. More details about the Duck Pluck, including how to purchase ducks online, will be available soon.
In service and partnership,
