ROCKINGHAM — The largest annual fundraiser for the Richmond Senior High School athletic department still has the green light this spring, but will feature a new twist this year.
In its sixth year, the “reverse raffle” fundraiser will be held on June 1 from the school’s media center, broadcast virtually to adhere to social distancing procedures. The online event will begin at 6 p.m. and be shared through Richmond County Schools’ Youtube Live channel.
Originally started by former athletic director Ricky Young, the event will be hosted by current AD and head baseball coach Rob Ransom. Head principal Jim Butler and head football coach Bryan Till, among others, will be on hand to help assist with the broadcast.
The fundraiser was planned for last month but was pushed to a later date once it was announced that in-school instruction would be suspended for the remainder of the school year.
This year’s raffle will feature 150 tickets, half of what has been sold in the past, with each ticket priced at $100. The top prize is $2500, followed by second and third place prizes of $1000 and $500, respectively.
A steak dinner for two has traditionally been featured in recent raffles, but Ransom said no meal will be served this year because of the circumstances.
“The funds raised will go towards expenses for this (school year) through travel and equipment purchases,” Ransom said. “They’ll be used by the athletic program to continue to provide a first-class athletic experience for our students.”
During the raffle, 150 ping pong balls will be dropped into a raffle ball basket, with each ticket bought representing one chance to win. In a reverse raffle, it’s the last ball pulled that determines the grand prize winner.
Door prizes will also be a part of the event, and Ransom said the majority of them will be Raider gift baskets made up of hats, apparel and other Richmond gear.
With ticket numbers reduced this year, Ransom is encouraging supporters to get a jump on purchasing them. Tickets can be bought from any Richmond head coach, as well as in the school’s front office.
For more information, call Richmond’s front office at 910-997-9812.
