RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2024 –
Have you ever purchased a Win This Truck Raffle ticket and wondered where your money was really going, or how much it truly benefits the group you purchased it from? Well, we’ve got you covered.
When you buy a ticket from a school or a student representing a school team or group, 60% goes directly to the school, team, or group and the other 40% goes to Foundation to fund grants for GFPS teachers. When you buy a ticket from a local business, 100% of the proceeds go to Foundation grants. Last year, nearly 14,000 tickets were sold by schools and student groups. This means that $83,688 went directly to schools, teams, or clubs to be used as needed. Here is a closer look at how some of last year’s top selling groups used the funds they raised.
CMR Drama was our top selling group in 2023 having sold 1,372 tickets. They raised over $8,000 and used the money to rent the plant props used in their production of Little Shop of Horrors last Spring. CMR Drama director Chris Evans had this to say, “Giving our students an opportunity to work in high end creative shows simply wouldn’t have been achievable without the community support of people buying truck raffle tickets. Thank you, Great Falls!”
Another group representing CMR with strong ticket sales every year is the girls’ soccer team. Coach Skaer knows how to motivate his girls on and off the field and uses the Truck Raffle to benefit the program. “Over the last few years, the GFPS Foundation’s truck raffle ticket sales have allowed the CMR girls’ soccer team to upgrade our training equipment. We have purchased new custom-made soccer balls, new nets for small-sided games, cones and pennies. The money has also allowed us to by a new canopy for shade or keeping us out of the rain during our games. It has been such a blessing for our girls to have fun selling tickets to the community and to be able to get money back to support our program. Thank you GFPS Foundation, City Motors, and Scheels for this opportunity.”
Great Falls High School teams and groups are no slouches in selling tickets themselves. The Bison Cheer team finished 3rd in group sales last year and used the funds to attend the Universal Cheerleaders Association Camp in Billings this past July as well as purchase new uniforms. What team doesn’t love traveling together and looking good?!?
For our last example, we are going to highlight the Great Falls High Cross Country team. This team is also in the top of group sales year after year as Coach Bob Stingley knows the benefit this fundraiser offers his team. “Cross Country is a no income earning sport, meaning we have no way of really making money from concessions at our competitions. In the eleven years we have been participating in the Truck Raffle ticket sales, we have earned over $43,100. That money along with other fundraisers we do has allowed our team to purchase just about anything the team, or athletes in need have required.” They have recently used money raised from selling tickets to purchase a new set of custom uniform tops for the entire boys and girls varsity teams. They also purchased a custom heavy-duty pop-up canopy to use at all meets for shelter and team camp. Coach Stingley calls it one of the nicest in the state. When asked about his experience, Coach Stingley says, “The truck raffle has really been a positive experience for our teams, and we certainly appreciate the generosity of the Oakland family and City Motors.”
These are just a few examples of how the Win This Truck Raffle truly enhances education and experiences for students in Great Falls Public Schools. Tickets can be purchased on our website or from a participating school, student, or outlet!