With the draw date coming up Feb. 23, organizers are stressing those who want to buy a ticket for the “elimination raffle” library fundraiser, as well as perhaps a ticket for the social, had better act before it’s too late.
Mark Kowalchuk, chairman of the “Building for the Future” campaign, said yesterday the tickets for the raffle have been “going reasonably well,” and still is confident they’ll sell out before the fundraiser social at the Memorial Sports Centre auditorium where the draws all will take place.
“We’ve had a pretty good response,” added Kowalchuk, noting some people even have been buying two tickets to double their chances to win.
The tickets, which cost $50 each, are on sale now at the Fort Frances Public Library, Fort Frances General Supply, and the Memorial Sports Centre.
Volunteers also have been selling them occasionally at Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire.
A total of 1,000 tickets will be sold, with 20 prizes eligible to be won.
These range from cash prizes of $10,000, $7,000, and $3,000 to a 32” LCD TV, laptop computer, gold chain, leather recliner, a home theatre system, handheld GPS, landscaping package, patio furniture, and a Nintendo Wii.
As mentioned above, all 20 draws will take place at a fundraiser social Feb. 23.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the evening will feature a ’50s theme, including the music of the “Sensational Hot Rods,” a dance contest, spot dance, prizes for those who come dressed in the best ’50s costume, and other attendance and door prizes.
An hors d’oeuvres buffet also will be open all evening, as will a cash bar.
Meanwhile, the “elimination raffle,” which will see every ticket sold drawn that evening, promises to be a form of entertainment in itself.
Tickets will be drawn in batches of 50 throughout the night, with the 50th from each batch winning the prize allocated for that batch (the winning ticket and the 49 before it will not be included in the next batch).
Prize winners will be announced as the evening goes on.
With 20 prizes up for grabs, that means 20 batches of 50 tickets will be drawn, ideally making for a night of high anticipation amongst event-goers—and more than a few lucky winners.
(Don’t worry—winners who are not in attendance still will receive their prizes).
Tickets for the social, which cost $15 each, are available at the library. Only 300 tickets were printed, and many already have been sold or given out to sponsors.
As such, Kowalchuk said those who want to attend should buy them quick before it sells out. Those who want to can buy 10 tickets at once and reserve an entire table for them and their friends, family, or co-workers.
Meanwhile, Kowalchuk said the “Building for the Future” campaign is moving along well, with donations coming in all the time. An updated fundraising total to be announced very soon.
Those who want to donate to the “Building for the Future” campaign should call the library at 274-9879 or drop by in person to get a pledge card.
Payment options—like Mastercard, VISA, or automatic deductions from your paycheque—are available.
All donations over $25 will be issued a tax receipt.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
