The Chandler Education Foundation recently announced its annual Winner’s Choice Car or Cash Raffle fundraiser is open.

In 2023, the CEF campaign resulted in the awarding of $76,000 in scholarships to graduating students from Chandler Unified School District high schools. An additional nearly $20,000 was allocated to CUSD schools’ parent-teacher organizations and booster clubs.

Each ticket costs $20.

Now in its 21st year, the Winner’s Choice Raffle is using a digital format. Hosted through a specialized online platform for nonprofit fundraising, participants can explore raffle details, prizes, and sponsors, track CEF’s progress toward its fundraising goal, purchase tickets, allocate credits to specific schools and witness the grand prize drawing online.

While a limited number of paper tickets will be available at select locations to ensure accessibility for the diverse community, most of the campaign will be conducted online.

The grand prize drawing, allowing the lucky winner to choose between $27,000 towards the MSRP of a Toyota vehicle or $20,000 cash, will be livestreamed Friday, March 8 at noon.

Last year’s grand prize winner, Robert Valentin, owner of Chandler-based Fresh as Can V Barber Shop, who purchased two tickets, opted for the cash prize.

Tickets purchased before 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 5, will be automatically entered into a bonus drawing for early-bird prizes, including Bose headphones, Kate Spade handbags, gift card trees, and more. The bonus drawing will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at noon.

CEF’s goal this year is to raise $150,000 through the Winner’s Choice Raffle.

Individuals age 21 and older within the state of Arizona are invited and encouraged to purchase tickets online here.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.