A mainstay Alle-Kiski Valley charity dinner has opted to instead hold a virtual fundraiser this year due to pandemic restrictions.

The annual Jack Marino Lions Club Charity Drawing will take place online Dec. 9 via Facebook livestream.

Sponsored by the Tarentum Area Lions Club, the fundraiser is traditionally a dinner event, held in recent years at River Forest Country Club in Allegheny Township.

The Tarentum Area Lions has held such an event since at least the 1960s.

Once focused solely on helping local blind people, the Lions Club proceeds now also benefit the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, Alle-Kiski Health Foundation, Highlands Meals on Wheels, Harrison Township Recreation Committee and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind.

“The needs of the community have not changed, and it’s important we have it,” said organizer Curt Marino on the decision to host virtually.

Marino said he is grateful for the ongoing generosity from the community, even with covid-19 restrictions in place.

“Our supporters have bought tickets faster this year than in previous years,” he said.

The event is now named in honor of Curt’s father, Jack Marino, a longtime dedicated Lions member.

The event raises about $5,000 each year.

Only 200 drawing tickets will be sold at $50 each.

About 140 tickets remain unsold.

There are a handful of $25 cash prizes along with others for $250, $500, $750, $1,000 and $2,500.

“We look forward to sharing some time together (virtually) and we appreciate your generosity,” Marino said.