PIQUA — Supporters packed into Edison State Community College’s Robinson Theater recently for the 10th annual Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support Edison State athletics.
More than 400 people were in attendance for the reverse raffle, which awarded one lucky ticket-holder the $10,000 grand prize.
This year’s event brought in $20,856.86 for the athletics program through the sale of tickets, a silent auction and other activities. More than $12,000 in prize money was awarded to winning ticket holders, including the grand prize winner, Dylan Sever, of Piqua.
“The money we raise through this event helps to offset many of the costs that our athletic teams incur throughout the year. It also provides a lot of opportunities that our student-athletes may not normally have, such as traveling to and participating in post-season tournaments,” said Nate Cole, Edison State athletic director.
Also contributing to the funds raised, nearly 20 additional items were available in a silent auction that were donated by area businesses, community members, and athletic teams.
“This event has become more and more popular each year and this year was no exception. We had a tremendous outpouring of support from people in the community and right here at Edison State and we can’t thank them enough for making the event successful,” said Cole.
Originally known as the Charger 300, the Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle began in 2010 to provide funding for postseason play and to offset expenses beyond the Edison State athletics budget. The need for an annual fundraiser for the athletic department grew from the postseason success of Charger teams winning National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII titles, District G titles and moving on to compete at the NJCAA Division III Final Four.
Over the past six years, $103,083.59 of $116,658.64 raised from previous Charger athletic reverse raffle events has been used to purchase team uniforms and equipment, provide team facility upgrades, and cover expenses associated with postseason play.
Edison State’s teams compete in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference and are Division II members of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
