First-Ever Plaza Reverse Raffle Huge Success, Raises $7,870

The Plaza Club's first-ever Reverse Raffle, held last Saturday at Jane Brown's home in the Northland, was a big success, raising $7,870 to help finance projects at the Urban Ranger Corps and Cristo Rey High School.  Thanks to the Herculean efforts of Raffle Chair Jane Brown (has she earned the title of "Grand Rafflebah?"), 100 tickets were sold at $75 each and a live auction of numerous donated items generated an additional $1,870, for gross receipts of $9,370. After expenses, the club netted $7,870.  Approximately 50 persons attended the event.  (Pictured (L-R): Raffle Chair Jane Brown, Denise Holt and Frances Reddis led in organizing the Reverse Raffle and also enjoyed the evening.)Image

Although he was in Nebraska visiting family, Past District Governor and current Rotary International Director Larry Lunsford won the grand prize of $1,000 as his ticket number was the last number drawn.  In fact, after 98 numbered ping pong balls had been drawn from the Rotary drum, the only two numbers remaining belonged to Larry!  Obviously, it was his lucky night!!  Denise Holt won the consolation prize of $250 and Chris Stucky had the dubious distinction of being the first participant eliminated. On the brighter side, Chris received a $100 prize for having his number drawn first.  Numerous smaller, secondary prizes were given throughout the evening.

“Thanks to all our members and friends who bought tickets, and special kudos to Jane Brown for organizing the event and hosting it at her home, Denise Holt for coordinating the food, and Jerry Venters for stepping in at the last minute as auctioneer,” President Debra Anderson said. "The funds we raised will go a long way in helping us complete the computer resource room at the Urban Ranger Corps and purchase Grad Packs for some of the graduating seniors at Cristo Rey."  A portion of the funds will also go to the Plaza Rotary Foundation.

For photos of the event, click on "Photo Journals" in the left-side panel. Thanks to Jacquelyn Blake for providing the pictures!