Service organizations are taking a financial hit in this COVID-19 pandemic, but multiple Downriver Rotary clubs are hoping people are willing to try their luck at winning its biggest charity event of the year.
It just might turn out to be a wide-ranging boost for a lot of people.
Clubs representing Allen Park, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Romulus, Rockwood, Southgate, Taylor, Woodhaven-Brownstown, Wyandotte and Dearborn Fairlane Sunrise decided to pool their efforts in order to pull off this year’s major fundraiser prize — a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer or $50,000 in cash.
Those will be the options for the winner, provided the clubs are successful in selling enough tickets.
The Rotary needs to sell 3,500 tickets prior to the end of April in order to award the top prize.
If that goal is not reached, the drawing will become a 50/50 split with a minimum payout of $5,000.
Tickets are $20 each and the drawing will be held at 2 p.m. May 1 at Michael Bates Chevrolet, 23755 Allen Road, Woodhaven.
They are the sponsors of the fundraiser.
The winner does not have to be present to win.
Smith said he is hoping the club sells 5,000 tickets and believes with all of their efforts put together it can be done.
The highest prize awarded by the Rotary came in 2017, when a Plymouth woman won $30,000 in a 50/50 split.
Edward Smith, assistant governor of Rotary District 6400, said the wow factor of the fundraiser is the car, which the winner would have an opportunity to pick the color of choice.
He called the cash prize “life changing.”
Other prizes include a $750 gift certificate and two $500 gift certificates from Al Petri & Sons bicycle shop in Woodhaven, and a 75-inch color television from Walmart.
The Rotary is involved with supporting numerous Downriver charities and organizations, such as the Penrickton Center for Blind Children, First Step, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Coats for Kids and many more.
When it comes to winning the cash, Smith has an ideal outcomes in mind.
“I’d love to see somebody, like an essential worker, waitress or someone who is out of work win,” Smith said.Â
He said there are people out there who really needed the money.
Smith said it’s going to take all of the clubs buckling down and getting tickets out in order to make their goal.
While the pandemic has made the ability to reach people much more challenging due to social distancing, the rewards of the event are worth the extra work needed, according to Smith.
Anyone looking for a ticket can contact a participating Rotary club or Smith at 734-246-8501.
