The Central Chamber Report: Why a Raffle?

    This fall we will raffle off a Honda Rancher 4 wheeler and trailer at the half time of the October 23rd Central High football game.  Many times I get asked, “Why does the Chamber do a raffle?”  This week I would like to answer that question.  
    The Central Chamber is a nonprofit organization that exists to help promote the business and professional interests of its members and enhance the economic, cultural, and recreational opportunities for the citizens of Central.  The Chamber realizes that one of the ways we fulfill this mission and help keep the future of our local economy strong is by encouraging and supporting our community’s quality educational institutions. Therefore we support a variety of our local school system’s programs such as student of the year, teacher of the year, support staff of the year, senior projects, and academic letter jackets.  Besides supporting these programs, the Central Chamber also awards scholarships every year to two local high school seniors who reside in the City of Central.  We are proud to support these initiatives, however, they require funding.  
    Since we are a private nonprofit organization, we do not receive government funding nor do we receive any sales tax dollars, etc.  All of the Chamber’s funding comes through our members’ investments and through fund raisers.  Thus, the reason we do the raffle!  When you buy a raffle ticket, you not only secure the chance of winning this brand new Honda 4 wheeler and trailer but you help the Central Chamber with its various educational initiatives.  In 2013, the person who won bought 50 tickets. However, in 2014 the person who won the raffle bought just one ticket!   Over the next few weeks tickets will be available at the Chamber’s office and at a variety of local area merchants.  Remember, when you buy your ticket, you are helping to support education and the Central business community.
    If you have any questions, please call the Central Chamber at 261-5818.