The CK Charity 50/50 Raffle is back for a second year, and organizers are hoping to top last year’s payout of more than $52,000.
The raffle, a joint effort by the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTCCK) and the Chatham-Kent Hospice, raised in excess of $26,000 for each organization in 2021, and saw the winner walk away with $52,735.
Mike Genge, executive director of the Foundation of the CTCCK, said teaming up with the hospice helped make the draw in 2021 the success it was. Both organizations know how to fundraise, and teaming up has split the duties.
“I think the fact we did it as a team with the hospice made it so much easier,” he said. “We knew what to do. The hospice, they do the administrative logistics and we do the marketing.”
Jodi Maroney, executive director for the C-K Hospice, said the partnership works well.
“It’s a good mesh. We work really well together and we’re both organizations that typically do fundraising events. Obviously, with the pandemic, our events have been impacted,” she said. “It’s a great way to partner in an online, safe event.”
Maroney said the hope this year is to expand on last year’s initial success.
“We are hoping by launching at the start of the new year, it would be something people could look forward to,” she said.
Genge said the community really responded to the draw last year and he expects they will again.
“This works out really well for the community, and all the money stays in the community,” he said.
Maroney said the fact the money remains in Chatham-Kent is an added attraction to the people of the municipality.
“The funds stay here. It is sort of an added bonus,” she said. “Being a winner is something to dream about, but it’s nice to know the money is supporting local families. Many people know someone who has benefitted from one of the two organizations.”
Funds raised from the raffle go towards end-of-life programs at the hospice and programming for children at the treatment centre.
The pandemic has hindered fundraising for many charitable organizations, Maroney said. This works for both groups.
“I think a lot of charities have had to look for different opportunities to raise funds. This is a way they can do it safely, remotely,” she said of online draw. “It doesn’t take as much manpower as in-person events either.”
Genge said people can purchase tickets online without having to worry about person-to-person interaction and contact.
“You go online, buy your tickets and in early March, we have the draw. Somebody will win probably at least $50,000,” he said.
Maroney appreciates the community support for the raffle.
“We’re just really thankful to the community of Chatham-Kent for their ongoing support. The families that both the hospice and the Children’s Treatment Centre service, their needs don’t go away because of the pandemic,” she said. “We live in such a generous community.”
Genge said main sponsors Lally Auto Group and Winmar Property Restoration Specialists help the organizations cover up-front costs.
Tickets are available to purchase online at www.ckcharity5050.com from now until March 2.
The winner of the draw will be announced live on the CK Charity 50/50 Raffle Facebook page at 1 pm on draw day, March 2.
