ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Rescue Squad raised more than $500 and gave three people some extra spending money in its inaugural Christmas raffle.
The squad sold more than 1,200 tickets, which were put in a box and drawn at the base Saturday evening. Rockingham firefighter Keith McPhaul, who had no connection to the raffle drew the three winners:
- Lily Hatcher – $500
- Dana Martinez – $150
- Tommy Chavis – $100
The remaining $537 will be used by the rescue squad to help cover operational expenses, including fuel and equipment.
The county provides $12,000 per year, most of which goes toward insurance coverage. The rest of the squad’s expenses are paid for through fundraisers, including the annual barbecue plate sale and selling concessions at monthly wrestling matches held at the base.
The rescue squad also receives funding as a partnering agency with United Way of Richmond County.
Volunteer squad members plan to hold another raffle next year and discussed the idea of selling tickets earlier to raise more money – both to keep and to give away.
Plans are to hold the drawing before Black Friday so the winners will have extra money for Christmas shopping or whatever else they decide to use it for.
