Press Release: Red Cross to Raffle Off Volvo

The American Red Cross in Central New Jersey depends on the funds generated by its largest local fundraiser – the Red Cross Raffle. Volvo Cars of North America, Long Motor Company, Miele, Inc. and Continental Airlines all donate the prizes outright, meaning every raffle ticket purchase goes directly to support Red Cross programs and services. With ticket sales capped at 2,000, the annual fundraiser has the potential to raise $200,000 for the Red Cross. 

“We’re hoping our New Jersey community will take advantage of the opportunity to win the amazing prizes generously donated by our sponsors, while also supporting Red Cross services,” said Sarah Mertz, associate executive director of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey. “Less than 1,000 tickets have been sold with just days left to the June 9th drawing,” she added. 

Each 2011 Red Cross Raffle, You Win...You Choose, raffle ticket offers the chance to win one of three prizes:

1st  Prize: Winner chooses their 2011 Volvo – S60 sedan, C70 hardtop convertible, or XC60 crossover; 

2nd Prize: Winner chooses their Miele Lifestyle Enhancing Appliances – washing machine and dryer or dishwasher and vacuum;

3rd  Prize:  Winner chooses their destination with two, First Class Continental Airlines round-trip tickets anywhere in the 48 states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America.

Red Cross programs include Disaster Services - responding to assist families displaced by home fires and other local disasters, providing emotional support and emergency assistance for lodging, food and clothing. Other programs include emergency preparedness education, services to military members and their families, and the School Safety Initiative, which brings the lifesaving skills of Red Cross First Aid and CPR to students in Central New Jersey schools. 

“We are proud to support the American Red Cross,” stated Paul McCormack, spokesperson for Miele, Inc., a multi-year corporate donor and prize package sponsor of the organization. “From life giving blood and CPR training to compassionate support services when local people are truly in need, the American Red Cross is one of the most vital community support services that keeps us, and our neighbors, healthy and safe.”

The Red Cross Raffle drawing will be held on June 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Miele, Inc.’s Princeton Gallery. A maximum of 2,000 tickets will be sold. Ticket purchase is available online at www.njredcross.org until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Purchase five tickets for $500 and receive one ticket free. 

Tickets can be purchased in person at the following Red Cross chapters: American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, American Red Cross of Burlington County, Camden County Chapter, Greater Somerset County Chapter and the Raritan Valley Chapter. Call 908-232-7090 for additional information.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to survivors of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross, Raritan Valley Chapter at 908-232-7090 or visit www.njredcross.org.