Thirteen lucky winners shared in $14,000 in cash prizes at the Galva Youth Sports Association’s (GYSA) second annual Raffle Bash fundraiser at Mary’s Family Dining on Saturday, May 12. The evening’s top prize of $5,000 went to downtown Galva business, Midwest Carpets.
Many ticketholders were on hand to witness the draw-down event which was also live-streamed on the GYSA’s Facebook page for ticketholders from near and far. With a limit of only 250 tickets sold, the draw down offers cash prizes to tickets drawn in pre-designated spots with five $200, four $500, two $1,000, one $4,000, and one $5,000 prize winners. The event’s $100 raffle tickets can belong to a single business or individual or multiple entities may share a single ticket. Ticketholders also enjoy the right to re-purchase their tickets before any remaining tickets are offered to new buyers each year. The evening’s largest cash prizes were awarded to the 250th, 249th, 248th, and 1st tickets drawn. In acknowledgement of his retirement from serving as a volunteer assistant varsity basketball coach at Galva High School, Randel “Pup” Dennison, was invited to draw the evening’s first winner—Cheryl Dowell of Bishop Hill. Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson was on hand to draw the evening’s final winners: Kraig and Sarah Townsend of Galva, Dan Meier of Galva, Tim Rosebeck of Kewanee, and Midwest Carpets of Galva. Other winners included: Dane Anderson of Galva, Shane Kaiser of Galva, Adam Baze of Galva, Mike and Mitch Boston of Galva, Dr. Scott Bialobreski and Dr. Clint Martin - Galva Family Dentistry, Jason Cheline, Justin Stable, and Mark Chandlee and Annette Smith of Galva.
In addition to the ticket draw-down, the event featured a silent auction of themed mystery packages with clues revealing package contents provided throughout the evening. A live auction featured items donated from the Galva High School FFA, the Backroads Country Musical Festival, Uncommon Groove, and Sway Tee—a company founded by local baseball great Trey Hannam. GYSA board members offered attendees additional cash prize options with four 50/50 raffles throughout the evening.
“While it is certainly exciting to give away $14,000 in cash to friends, family, and community members who support Galva youth sports, the evening’s biggest winners are definitely the youth of Galva,” said Raffle Bash event organizer and GYSA Board Treasurer Brandy Funke. Added GYSA Board President, Mike Keup, “It is certainly humbling to listen to the ticketholder names drawn and realize how many people and businesses understand the developmental value of youth sports and support our efforts to make safe, high-quality sports activities available in our community.”
In addition to revenue from concession sales at baseball and softball games, and baseball/softball team sponsorship naming rights, the Raffle Bash is the GYSA’s only annual fundraising appeal. Funds raised ensure the GYSA sports programs have appropriate game, practice, and safety equipment and help keep registration fees low for Galva youth. The GYSA is also committed to all kids having an opportunity to participate regardless of ability to pay. Funds from the inaugural GYSA Raffle Bash in 2017 were used to construct a storage shed to store program equipment cleanly and securely from season to season.
Next years Raffle Bash event date will be announced soon and tickets holders from this years event will have first rights to there tickets.
The Galva Youth Sports Association is a non-profit, 501(c)3 governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Using volunteer coaches, GYSA offers boys and girls recreational opportunities in baseball, softball, volleyball, flag football, Junior Football League football, basketball, and soccer. Facility support is provided in partnership with the Galva School District and the Galva Park District.
Many ticketholders were on hand to witness the draw-down event which was also live-streamed on the GYSA’s Facebook page for ticketholders from near and far. With a limit of only 250 tickets sold, the draw down offers cash prizes to tickets drawn in pre-designated spots with five $200, four $500, two $1,000, one $4,000, and one $5,000 prize winners. The event’s $100 raffle tickets can belong to a single business or individual or multiple entities may share a single ticket. Ticketholders also enjoy the right to re-purchase their tickets before any remaining tickets are offered to new buyers each year. The evening’s largest cash prizes were awarded to the 250th, 249th, 248th, and 1st tickets drawn. In acknowledgement of his retirement from serving as a volunteer assistant varsity basketball coach at Galva High School, Randel “Pup” Dennison, was invited to draw the evening’s first winner—Cheryl Dowell of Bishop Hill. Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson was on hand to draw the evening’s final winners: Kraig and Sarah Townsend of Galva, Dan Meier of Galva, Tim Rosebeck of Kewanee, and Midwest Carpets of Galva. Other winners included: Dane Anderson of Galva, Shane Kaiser of Galva, Adam Baze of Galva, Mike and Mitch Boston of Galva, Dr. Scott Bialobreski and Dr. Clint Martin - Galva Family Dentistry, Jason Cheline, Justin Stable, and Mark Chandlee and Annette Smith of Galva.
In addition to the ticket draw-down, the event featured a silent auction of themed mystery packages with clues revealing package contents provided throughout the evening. A live auction featured items donated from the Galva High School FFA, the Backroads Country Musical Festival, Uncommon Groove, and Sway Tee—a company founded by local baseball great Trey Hannam. GYSA board members offered attendees additional cash prize options with four 50/50 raffles throughout the evening.
“While it is certainly exciting to give away $14,000 in cash to friends, family, and community members who support Galva youth sports, the evening’s biggest winners are definitely the youth of Galva,” said Raffle Bash event organizer and GYSA Board Treasurer Brandy Funke. Added GYSA Board President, Mike Keup, “It is certainly humbling to listen to the ticketholder names drawn and realize how many people and businesses understand the developmental value of youth sports and support our efforts to make safe, high-quality sports activities available in our community.”
In addition to revenue from concession sales at baseball and softball games, and baseball/softball team sponsorship naming rights, the Raffle Bash is the GYSA’s only annual fundraising appeal. Funds raised ensure the GYSA sports programs have appropriate game, practice, and safety equipment and help keep registration fees low for Galva youth. The GYSA is also committed to all kids having an opportunity to participate regardless of ability to pay. Funds from the inaugural GYSA Raffle Bash in 2017 were used to construct a storage shed to store program equipment cleanly and securely from season to season.
Next years Raffle Bash event date will be announced soon and tickets holders from this years event will have first rights to there tickets.
The Galva Youth Sports Association is a non-profit, 501(c)3 governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Using volunteer coaches, GYSA offers boys and girls recreational opportunities in baseball, softball, volleyball, flag football, Junior Football League football, basketball, and soccer. Facility support is provided in partnership with the Galva School District and the Galva Park District.