A high-stakes, elimination-style raffle to support this year’s Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School (MEMSS) grads is off to a slower start than expected, but organizers are confident ticket sales will pick up once more people realize what’s at stake.
“I think once we sell 1,200 tickets, that’s when the remainder will really start to fly. People will realize they could miss out,” said Shari Thomas, the MEMSS grad executive parent chair president.
The MEMSS Grad Survivor Cash Raffle is not a typical draw where winners are picked at random. Instead, it’s a reverse raffle, meaning every ticket holder starts in the game, and names are eliminated daily starting May 1. Up to 100 names will be removed each day, with eliminations posted online so participants can follow along. By May 20, only three names will remain, and those lucky ticket holders will win the grand prizes.
If all 2,000 tickets sell, the first-place winner will receive $10,000, second place gets $6,000, and third place wins $4,000. The remaining $20,000 from ticket sales will fund grad celebrations, including prom, dry grad, and a brand-new Amazing Race event.
If all tickets are not sold, the prizes will be calculated based on a percentage of total sales: 25 per cent for first place, 15 per cent for second, and 10 per cent for third.
Despite the big prizes and the interactive element, ticket sales have been slower than expected. Kitimat typically supports grad fundraisers generously, and organizers hope that trend continues.
To boost sales, Thomas is organizing parent meetings to coordinate students selling tickets door to door, so residents are encouraged to keep cash on hand. The group is also planning to set up in-person sales kiosks throughout town.
“I think this is the biggest payout for a raffle in the Northwest,” Thomas said. “And it’s interactive, so people are going to have a lot of fun. I really don’t know why tickets aren’t selling faster.”
Tickets cost $20 each and are available to B.C. residents aged 19 and over. There is no limit on the number of tickets one person can purchase. Tickets must be purchased by April 30.
For ticket sales, visit the MEMSS Grad Survivor Cash Raffle Facebook page and link through the QR code to reach the Zeffy.com purchase site. Thomas noted that some buyers have been confused by optional donation prompts on the Zeffy platform and reassured participants that no extra payments are required.
“Nobody has to pay a fee or make a donation to buy an online ticket,” she said, advising buyers to skip the additional donation prompts if they prefer.
Beyond the raffle, local businesses and community members can also get involved in the Amazing Race event, a new addition to this year’s grad celebrations. Inspired by the reality TV show, the race will have students competing in teams of four, completing a series of challenges around town. Tasks will vary from problem-solving and physical activities to scavenger hunts and location-based missions, all designed to encourage teamwork and create lasting memories for the grads.
“We’re keeping the specific challenges under wraps, but we’re planning a fun, engaging event that will really bring grads together,” Thomas said.
Businesses interested in contributing locations, prizes, sponsorships, or food for a celebratory barbecue can contact Thomas at MEMSSraffle@gmail.com.
