The Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School (MEMSS) Grad Fundraising Committee is taking its fundraising to the next level with a Survivor-style reverse raffle that promises a lot of excitement—and massive payouts. With tickets priced at $20 each, the innovative initiative offers participants the chance to win up to $10,000, $6,000, or $4,000 as the last three survivors in a unique elimination-style raffle.
"We wanted to create something exciting, something that would build anticipation every day," said Shari Thomas, the grad executive parent chair president.
From Feb. 6 to April 30, B.C. residents aged 19 and over can purchase tickets that willl be entered into a draw beginning May 1 when up to 100 names will be eliminated daily. By May 20, only three lucky names will remain. These final three ticket holders will walk away with 25 per cent, 15 per cent, and 10 per cent of the total ticket sales respectively. If all 2,000 tickets sell, the prizes will amount to a thrilling $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second and $4,000 for third.
The remaining 50 per cent of proceeds, upto $20,000, will go directly toward MEMSS grad activities, including prom on June 14 and a dry grad event on June 20. “It’s about giving our graduates a memorable celebration while also rewarding the community for their support,” Thomas added.
The idea was inspired by a similar but smaller raffle hosted recently by the Winterhawks U18 hockey team. “People loved checking every day to see if they were still in the game. It created so much buzz and fun,” she said. “We hope to replicate that excitement on an even bigger scale.”
The stakes are high, and the committee is pulling out all the stops to ensure a sell-out. “A $10,000 top prize—who wouldn’t take a chance for that?” Thomas said. “Some people might even buy multiple tickets to increase their odds.”
Daily eliminations will be posted online, allowing ticket holders to follow their fate in real time. “We want to build the hype and give people a reason to check back every day,” said Thomas. “It’s not just a fundraiser—it’s entertainment.”
To buy tickets email MEMSSraffle@gmail.com, or visit the sales site directly at zeffy.com.