Thousands raised by SpringFest raffle

DRAWN last week, the SpringFest Online Raffle generated thousands of dollars’ worth of ticket sales to support community organisations and Rotary projects.

SpringFest Ballarat director, the Rotary Club of Ballarat’s Robert Glass said the profits are approximately $8500.

This will be split and directed to the Ballarat Chinese Dragon Boat Club, Bungaree, Miners Rest and Mount Egerton primary schools, Phoenix P-12 Community College, and local and international Rotary initiatives.

“It was a good result considering we didn’t do any tin rattling or physical ticket-selling around Ballarat,” he said.

Ticket 640, John Plush won first prize; a custom made trailer and cage from Eureka Trailers, and a $2000 G.Gay & Co voucher.

Brayden Dorney’s ticket 1201 was drawn for second prize which included a private screening at Regent Cinemas, a $500 gift voucher to Raintree Art, and a $500 mystery gift.

Jay Morrison won third prize with ticket 445, receiving a Mercedez Benz 12-volt ride-on toy car, a kids’ Trek Precaliber 7.0 bike, and a birthday party for 20 children at Regent Cinemas.

The raffle was possible with the support of Rotary Club of Ballarat private donors, and local businesses including Eureka Trailers, G. Gay & Co Mitre 10, Regent Cinemas Ballarat, Raintree Art, Cyclescape, and Ballarat Taxis Limited.

Rotarians are now looking to Ballarat Carols by Candlelight at Mars Stadium later in the month, where they will run a Christmas Market as an alternative to their annual SpringFest Market Sunday fundraiser, which was cancelled in 2021.

“We’ve got 100 stalls booked in for Carols, and there’s space for another 20 if people would like to book in,” Mr Glass said.

“We’re encouraging stallholders to book this week, and will be welcoming the community to the Christmas Market from 2pm on Sunday, 19 December.

“Come to us at the market first, and then head up to enjoy the evening of Carols.”