Win a new ride and contribute to a good cause
Those looking for the adventure of the open road riding an American classic are now offered the opportunity to get the chance for just $20.
The Matlacha Mariners are selling chances on a 2010 Harley Davidson to raise funds for the Pine Island Elementary School music program and other worthy island charities. According to Mariners president, Wayne Reed, his organization began selling the raffle tickets earlier this year at its annual Seafood Festival held at the German-American Club in Cape Coral.
“We will only be selling 1,500 tickets for this raffle and all of the proceeds will go back into the Pine Island community,” said Reed. “This is a great opportunity for some lucky person to win a great bike and help us to help our community at the same time.”
The motorcycle, provided by Black Widow Harley Davidson/Buell of Port Charlotte, is a Harley Davidson Softtail Deluxe with a value of more than $17,000. The Mariners will be taking possession of the bike sometime in August and it will be available for viewing at various locations in Matlacha and on Pine Island.
The drawing of the winning ticket will be done by the Rev. Heidi Grusser and the church youth group from the Pine Island Community Church. The winner need not be present to claim his or her prize. It is hoped that the announcement of the winner for the raffle will take place at the upcoming Southwest Florida Music Festival and will be posted on the Mariner Web site for at least one month after the drawing.
Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Matlacha Mariners, at Traders Hitching Post in Matlacha or on line at matlachamariners.org
The Matlacha Mariners is a 501c3 non-profit organization comprised of local men who meet on the first Thursday of each month. In addition to the Harley raffle, the Mariners also stage several fund-raising events throughout the year. These events include the annual Mullet Toss, Seafood Festival and the Southwest Florida Music Festival. Money collected from these events and from other donations, the Mariners not only support the music program at the elementary school, but make generous contributions to the Beacon of HOPE, Friendly Islanders Sending Help, the Matlacha Community Center Summer program, the Pine Island Food Pantry and to many other organizations and individuals.
Membership to the Matlacha Mariners is open to men at least 21 years of age and members, “should always do their best to set a good example for others in the community, try to be a positive role model for today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders, when possible, participate in fund raising projects or other special events organized by the Mariners and try to help or assist other local charities and organizations.”
Membership to the Mariners is an annual tax-deductible donation of $20 per year. In addition to tax savings, membership to the Mariners also entitles card holders to discounts at several area businesses who support the efforts of the organization. Anyone interested in joining the Matlacha Mariners may attend any of its monthly meetings or by signing up at one of the supporting locations which include Bert’s Bar and Grill, Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts or Traders Hitching Post, all located in Matlacha or on the Mariners Web site located at matlachmariners.org. Prospective members need not be a resident of Matlacha or Pine Island as all are welcome to join.