On the recommendation of several board members, the FFI Gulf Coast Council directors voted yesterday to extend our raffle ticket sales deadline. The original date was April 15th. The new deadline to purchase tickets is now July 15, 2020 at 11:59pm CST. Shortly after, the board will conduct a drawing for the winner via Facebook Live. The new deadline date coincides with the new IRS deadline to file tax returns.
To purchase tickets online, click on the “Raffle” menu item above, then click on “Buy Now” on the kayak raffle page. There are also directions for purchasing by check (mail).
When the kayak raffle was initiated on January 15th, like everyone else we had no idea of the events about to transpire. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the fabric of our society and our economy. All of us know at least one person who has been hospitalized from the virus, or worse, succumbed to it. Others have lost their jobs, or been furloughed, or seen their businesses suffer.
Because of government guidelines, over half of the events at which the GCC would’ve sold tickets at were cancelled. Furthermore, club meetings were cancelled indefinitely. While we did setup an online ticket purchase, these in-person activities are far better at generating sales or promoting interest.
While extending the ticket sales will allow us to come closer to reaching our financial goal, equally important, it will allow many who didn’t know about the raffle to participate. For everyone who has already purchased tickets, you’re still good! If you are not happy about delaying the drawing and want your money back, we will gladly refund your money. The deadline to request refunds will be Thursday, April 30th.
We wish to remind everyone that this raffle is to generate much-needed funds for the Gulf Coast Council. Your donation of ticket purchases will help us fund our education projects. For example, before the social distancing guidelines were announced, the GCC hosted the world’s largest fly casting certification workshop in Lake Charles (see earlier post). Your donations made it possible.
The Crescent Lite Tackle is a great kayak for paddling and fishing. Please let others know about this opportunity to win this kayak, and to support the GCC. And please stay healthy and safe in these trying times.
