First-time buyer has winning ticket at NIC Foundation's Really BIG Raffle

 

Really BIG Raffle winner Mark Collins, second from right, shakes the hand of NIC President Rick MacLennan, at the 26^th annual drawing Wednesday night. NIC Foundation Board President Jody Azevedo, far left, also congratulated $335,000 house winner, who was in attendance at the drawing with his son, Mick, far right.

One time was enough for Mark Collins, who was in the crowd of about 2,000 at the North Idaho College Foundation’s Really BIG Raffle 26^th anniversary drawing Wednesday night.

One ticket. One $335,000 house.

“I’ve been meaning to buy a ticket for years now. Last year I missed the cutoff. The year before something else happened,” Collins said, minutes after winning. “You bet I’m glad I bought one this year.”

Collins, from Liberty Lake, was in attendance at the drawing held behind the NIC Edminster Student Union Building with his son, Mick. The two of them, along with Mark’s other son, Jake, are the winners with this year’s lucky ticket #5062 that won them the Grand Prize of a 2,342-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home in Post Falls. Cash and prizes totaling $372,000 were given away at the annual event, including the house, which was built by NIC Carpentry and Construction Technology students.

“We couldn’t do it without the help of all of the supporters of this event, who deserve a really big thank you,” said NIC Foundation Executive Director Rayelle Anderson. “We are so grateful to the community for their continued support of this important fundraiser. The proceeds directly benefit students through scholarships, technology and program needs.”

Winners of the first, second, third and fourth place prizes can apply the cash value to the prize of their choice.

This year’s winners were:

Grand prize $335,000 house—Mark Collins, Mick Collins, Jake Collins

First place $20,000 Prize of Choice—Lee Bernardi

Second place $10,000 Prize of Choice —George Hughes

Third place $3,500 Prize of Choice —Kimberly Smith

Fourth place $2,000 Prize of Choice —Monica Graybeal

Those who purchased tickets by April 30 also qualified to win one of two early-bird prizes of $1,000 Costco Gift Cards. The $1,000 gift cards were won by Dwight Green and Samuel Koester.

“The revenue generated by the raffle greatly enhances the NIC Foundation’s ability to support students in their pursuit of a quality education,” Anderson said.

Posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

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