Chamber raffle to put thousands of dollars back into Logan County economy

[February 09, 2011]  The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its second annual Community Chamber Buck Raffle. Starting Feb. 1, you may purchase Chamber Buck Raffle tickets for your chance to win up to $3,000 in Chamber Bucks. Tickets may be purchased for only $5 at the following chamber businesses: Illini Bank; CEFCU; Regions Bank; State Bank of Lincoln in downtown Lincoln, at the Woodlawn branch and in Walmart; Blades Hair & Nail Salon; and at the chamber office.

The winning tickets will be drawn on April 14 at the Graue Inc. chamber mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a free event open to the community. The Community Chamber Buck Raffle will boost the local economy directly with $3,000 in Chamber Bucks awarded in three prizes to be spent locally at over 80 participating chamber businesses. The top prize will be $2,000, second prize $750, and third prize is $250.

Chamber Bucks are like gift certificates that can be purchased by anyone, from anywhere, from the chamber of commerce office. These gift certificates can be redeemed at over 80 participating Logan County chamber member locations. You can spend your Chamber Bucks at restaurants, gas stations, retail stores, grocery stores, pharmacies and many more locations. Chamber Bucks are just like cash, so you can use them to do many different things while banking your real cash for something else.

Below are some great ideas for what you could do if you won the grand prize:

• $2,000 worth of groceries could go a long way, plus help the family budget.

• You can buy building supplies for home improvements.

• There are many local eateries that honor Chamber Bucks. Your family could enjoy fine dining for months to come.

• Update the appliances in your home, or buy those must-have additions.

• Pay for gas, car repairs, parts or even use the Chamber Bucks for a down payment on a new vehicle.

• You could pay for health and wellness services.

• Jump-start your holiday shopping with Chamber Bucks.

• Plan a "staycation" at one of the local hotels.

• You can buy a raffle ticket and list your favorite charity, church, school or civic organization as the beneficiary of the winnings. Imagine being the benefactor of $2,000 in Chamber Bucks to your favorite cause.

• You could live like a queen with a manicure and pedicure every month for two years.

• Create that "man cave" you've always wanted with a new flat-screen TV, gaming system and furniture.

• Up your curb appeal with new landscaping, a grill and patio furniture.

• Treat yourself to 803 two-scoop turtle sundaes.

• Have that dental work you've been putting off.

• Host a catered party for 150 of your closest friends at the American Legion, Lincoln Banquet Center, Logan Lanes, Owl's Roost, Guzzardo's or in your own backyard.

The annual Community Chamber Buck Raffle is designed to support the chamber's mission in serving the membership through a commitment to the economic prosperity of Lincoln and Logan County.

For more information, contact the chamber office at 217-735-2385 or visit the Information Station, 1555 Fifth St. You may also visit www.lincolnillinois.com for contest rules and complete chamber membership listings.

[Text from file received from the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce]