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Press Room

Oct 22, 2009 | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Boys & Girls Clubs Raffles Off $1.5 Million Beach Home

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Faced with difficult and uncertain economic circumstances, nonprofits must continuously work to identify creative means to sustain valuable programs. Here in Tallahassee, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend is no different.

The local nonprofit, which has been forced to close or consolidate several of its after-school facilities over the past year, recently launched a charity raffle in which a $50 donation buys ticket purchasers a chance to win either a luxurious home in Seaside, Fla. or up to $1.5 million in cash.

“We hope to sell 100,000 tickets which will provide us with a significant revenue boost,” said Buddy Streit, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. “Still, 100,000 is a big number, so we are asking our supporters to spread the word to friends and family and encourage them to buy tickets as well.”

The furnished three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, designed by well-known architect Scott Merrill, features a calming palate of white, ivory and pale yellow with subtle nautical and Old Florida trimmings for a comfortably modern beach chic appeal. Nestled beside the quaint Seaside Chapel, shaded by majestic live oaks and surrounded by the unique Artist Colony Shops of Ruskin Place, the home is the perfect retreat for nuptial overnights, serene strolls and inspired perusing. Its 800 sq. ft. porch also makes it an ideal spot for people-watching.

Perhaps even more appealing to the future homeowner is the home's remarkable rental history. It books solid during peak seasons, and rentals even extend into the fall due the home's proximity to the Chapel, making it a prime spot for wedding-related functions.

“Our vacation home, Amber Waves, had been on the market for some time. When approached about participating in the raffle, we thought we would try something a little non-conventional,” said homeowner Mayo Woodward. “Working with an organization like the Boys & Girls Clubs that helps so many children in the Tallahassee and Quincy area where I grew up is just icing on the cake. Our family has made many fond memories swinging on the porch, playing with the kids in the parks surrounding the house and, of course, making the short walk to the Gulf for a day of sandcastles, swimming and sun. I hope the winner enjoys those same memories with their family.”    

If at least 100,000 tickets are sold prior to the drawing date, the winner will have the option to choose either the house or a $1.5 million cash prize. However, if fewer than 100,000 tickets sell prior to the drawing date, the winner will receive 35 percent of the gross ticket proceeds. That means as ticket sales increase, so do the stakes.

The drawing will be held at the Greg McCray Boys & Girls Club in Tallahassee on April 8, 2010.

To learn more and purchase tickets visit www.ThePositivePlaceForKids.com.

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