For years, the Jesuit car raffle has been a fun and interesting event for the whole community. Giving the prospect of winning a car while helping to provide need-based scholarships for students, these raffles have been quite popular over the years. This year, the car raffle has gotten even better!

Keeping the same spirit of assisting with financial aid, the car raffle will now allow the winning ticket-holder to choose from a selection of six cars. Including great cars like the BMW X1S, Mini Cooper, Ford F150 4×2, Jeep Wrangler Sport, Toyota Rav4, and Chevrolet Camaro, there is an excellent match for everyone!

Mrs. Jan Deck, the auction coordinator, commented, “We’re just changing it up a bit.” Additionally, she noted that they “came up with this idea with Autonation” so that the raffle “appeals to a bigger audience.” With the wide variety of cars, everyone from off-roaders to sports car enthusiasts can find a car that suits them.

To make the car raffle even better, more changes were made to the format. This year, only 1,000 tickets will be sold, meaning that anyone  who buys a ticket will have greater odds of winning than before. It also means that tickets will go fast! Make sure to go out and buy your ticket soon!  Those who buy a ticket before March 7th are also entered into a contest to win $1,000.

There will be rewards for the groups that sell the most tickets. The class that collectively sells the most tickets will receive Chick-fil-A coupons and a casual dress day. The homeroom that sells the most tickets will receive a free pizza lunch. When selling a ticket, the student must be sure that the prospective buyer writes the seller’s name in the online or paper submission.

Working in conjunction with the raffle is the annual Jesuit auction, this year entitled Gatsby Gala. Hosted at the Westin Galleria, the Gatsby Gala will have dinner, dancing to a live band, a casino, a live auction, and a silent auction for what will certainly be a night of fun! Jesuit will send out invitations, but you can also click here for more information. The auction provides the majority of the money for need-based scholarships but works with events like JWA Bingo Night and the Father Son Casino night to raise money.

Although the planning of all of these events is certainly no walk in the park, Mrs. Deck said, “I enjoy working with all of the volunteers. There’s over 275 moms and dads I get to work with every year,” which makes it a great way of bringing the community together. More importantly, she mentioned that her “favorite part is the mission and the fact that we’re raising money for kids to come to Jesuit that may not have been able to come otherwise because of finances.”  She also pointed out that “it helps the entire student body with diversity and getting great people to be able to come [to Jesuit] regardless of whether or not they can pay for private school.”

With this in mind, make sure to buy your car raffle tickets, and support the upcoming Gatsby Gala!