On March 5, as basketball free-throw shooters warmed up for the B.I.G. Shots event in the Together Community Center gym nearby, Caleb Stiger, who founded the event four years ago, expressed his gratitude for the number of greater Paradise-area businesses and individuals who have gotten involved. "We have been blessed," he said of he event, which benefits The Factory Ministries. "Every year we have done (the fundraiser), we have raised $10,000 to $15,000."

At that time, Stiger did not know that when all the pledges and donations were added up at the end of the day, the 2021 effort would raise more than $15,000 for the organization. According to Kylie Stoltzfus, director of communications with The Factory, a ministry that endeavors to walk alongside those in need in the Pequea Valley area, Paul Senkowski, Simon Vogt, and Stiger were the top three fundraisers. Stiger, representing Baron Insurance Group (BIG); Paul Senkowski of McClarigan CPAs; and Matt Herr of Scenic Ridge tied for the highest number of baskets, with 91 each out of a possible 100.

Stiger, who opened the Gordonville office of BIG several years ago, said he was pleased to have 27 free throw shooters participate in this year's event. Most participants represented area businesses, but a few individuals who gathered pledges also took part.

Metzler Builders of Lampeter sponsors a special half-court shot award. "When (a participant) finishes with free throws, (he or she) gets one half-court shot," explained Stiger. A basket from half court triggers an additional $100 donation from Metzler. In addition, The Speckled Hen in Strasburg donated food and coffee for participants. Food for the event was also donated by Stoltzfus Meats. Basketballs for the fundraiser are provided by Thad Rittenhouse, head basketball coach at Pequea Valley High School.

"Our vision when we started was to make businesses familiar with The Factory and what they do here, but as it has grown, we have tried to stretch that," said Stiger. "Some of the businesses we have connected with now do business with The Factory."

More information about The Factory, which is located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, may be found at https://thefactoryministries.com.