The annual “Martin’s Celebrity Baggers” became more important than ever this year.

Executive director Chris Armstrong of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County said the non-profit organization was recently forced to make some cost-saving cuts.

“This year, I had to cut my office person’s hours,” she said. “This is the first year I’ve felt we’ve struggled for funds. We’re going into a blackout period now because of the United Way fundraiser in September and October.”

Which means the Celebrity Baggers is the last opportunity Big Brothers Big Sisters to raise money on its own this year. It is the organization’s second largest fundraiser and the money is used to fund operations.

“We’re hoping to exceed $4,000,” she said.

Last year’s event brought in $4,600. Armstrong would like to at least meet this year’s goal.

Celebrity baggers worked four hours Friday afternoon at Martin’s and they’ll be back today, working from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event not only helps raise money to put toward the organization’s general fund, it also raises awareness about what Big Brothers Big Sisters does.

This year's baggers were grouped into categories by the hour. They included bankers, Realtors, insurance agents, hair stylists, automotive-related, political, musicians, businesses owners and workers, school employees and emergency workers.

According to Armstrong, 39 people volunteered to help the organization.

Volunteering this year are Deb Drinkwine, Malinda Galloway, Susie Oliver, Memi Rennewanz, Gordon Southern, Krissy Denny, Gina Curl, Dan Keister, Josh Hopper, Jerry McQuiston, Kelly Stephenson, Kim Reid, Thilla Reynolds, Tammy Helvie, Jackie Cowell, Stacy Cox, Ed Nason, Sam Coppernoll, Jennifer Crowell, Jeff Canady, Hayley LaDow, Michele Starkey, Toni Gebhardt, Jill Rife, John Shiveley, Gary Armstrong, Sky Crowe, Casey Depoy, Kellee Wolfe, Randy Pryor, Randy Rozzi, Grover Bishop, Rich McClain, Terry Osborne, Nate McGuire, Jessica Jamison, Tony Morgan, Anthony Cozzello and Jim Cox.

On Friday, Oliver, Drinkwine and Southern were hard at work.

Oliver has participated for three years and usually requests to work with cashier Jackie Snyder.

“She’s a quick learner,” Snyder pointed out. “The first year she was so nervous.”

Oliver believes volunteering is a great way to help raise money for a good cause.

Drinkwine does it for an additional reason.

“So I know what the specials are at Martin’s,” she said with a laugh.

Drinkwine even ran into a woman she went to high school with Friday. She hadn’t seen her since graduation.

Southern said the event is a good way to raise money, since they can catch people with money in hand. If they waited until the customer was outside, most likely the money would already be stored away.

Armstrong appreciates the volunteers. Many, she said, have helped out in the past.

“I think it shows dedication to the organization and the people in the community,” Armstrong said. “They like what we are doing and want to help us succeed.”

The volunteers collected money prior to their shift at Martin’s and, during the one-hour shifts, they hoped to help additional money with a tip jar.

According to Armstrong, each bagger has his or her own approach to earning a tip. She said the customers are usually pretty receptive of the “in-training” bagger.

“Some joke around and say, ‘Why don’t you use your debit card and get cash back for my bucket,’” she said.

Most people give at least $1 for their hard-at-work volunteer.

Armstrong plans to take advantage of technology this year, with the hope it will help generate more foot traffic into the store and more support to the organization.

“I’ll take photos and post them to Facebook,” she said. “It’s a handy tool that reaches more people.”

The first year for the event, Armstrong wasn’t sure how people would respond, so it took place for one day, but the success of it has led to it being expanded to two days and more celebrity baggers.

Armstrong enjoy seeing all the people.

“The first celebrities of the day had to take a photo,” she said. “You build friendships.”

The event also allows Armstrong to fomd new volunteers for the organization, future baggers and even new board members.

One of those was Ed Nason. She said he came in one year during the event and was introduced to her. He’s now on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County board.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com.