Grand Prize winner offered choice between $27,000 towards a Toyota vehicle or $20,000 cash; proceeds benefit Chandler Unified schools and scholarships.
The Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) is delighted to announce that its much-anticipated Winner’s Choice Car or Cash Raffle fundraiser is now open. Building on over two decades of partnership with Big Two Toyota, CEF’s 2023 campaign resulted in the awarding of $76,000 in scholarships to graduating students from Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) high schools. An additional nearly $20,000 was allocated to CUSD schools’ Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Booster Clubs.
In its 21st edition, the Winner’s Choice Raffle is embracing a digital format. Hosted through a specialized online platform for nonprofit fundraising, participants can explore raffle details, prizes, and sponsors, track CEF’s progress toward its fundraising goal, purchase tickets, allocate credits to specific schools, and witness the Grand Prize drawing - all online. Jennifer Hewitt, CEF’s Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm for the transition, stating, “The move to a digital platform aligns with the increasing confidence and familiarity with online payments. We anticipate this shift will broaden our reach and enable us to generate even more support for our schools and scholarships.”
While a limited number of paper tickets will be available at select locations to ensure accessibility for the diverse community, most of the campaign will be conducted online. The Grand Prize drawing, allowing the lucky winner to choose between $27,000 towards the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a Toyota vehicle or $20,000 cash will be livestreamed on Friday, March 8th at 12:00 pm. Tickets purchased before 9:00 am on Monday, February 5th will be automatically entered into a bonus drawing for Early Bird prizes, including Bose headphones, Kate Spade handbags, gift card trees, and more, held on Thursday, February 8th at 12:00 pm.
Last year’s winner, Mr. Robert Valentin, owner of the Chandler-based Fresh as Can V Barber Shop, who purchased two tickets, opted for the cash prize.
Chandler Unified School District Superintendent, Frank Narducci, expressed gratitude for the community support garnered by the CEF raffle, stating, “The Winner's Choice Raffle is always an exciting time for our schools, driven not only by anticipation for the drawing but also by the incredible outpouring of support that provides enhanced learning experiences for our students.”
With the increasing costs of higher education and trade schools, the scholarships funded through this campaign are more valuable than ever. This year, CEF aims to raise $150,000 through the Winner’s Choice Raffle.
Individuals aged 21 and above within the state of Arizona are invited and encouraged to purchase tickets online at https://bit.ly/CEF-Raffle-24.
Regardless of the winning prize, each ticket contributes to empowering promising students and supporting vital school resources.
