Chicago Dream House Raffle

Overview
Early Bird #1 Drawing: February 29th

Frequently Asked Questions

expand all | collapse all

What is the Dream House Raffle to Benefit Special Olympics Southern California?

Special Olympics Southern California's Dream Home Raffle is a large fundraiser. The raffle aims to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California in its continuing effort to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society. In addition to supporting Special Olympics Southern California, the raffle will be giving away over 100 prizes, of which the grand prize is a $2 million home or $1.5 million in cash.

How do I purchase raffle tickets?

  • Call toll free 1-800-816-6108, or
  • Download an entry form from www.socalraffle.com and:
    • Fax it to: 213-995-5058, or
    • Mail the entry form to:
      SOSC Dream House Raffle
      6730 East Carson Street
      Long Beach, CA 90808

What are the prizes?

  • First Early Bird Drawing:
    • 1st Prize: $25,000
    • 2nd Prize: $10,000
    • 3rd Prize: $5,000
    • Entry Deadline: Friday February 17, 2012
  • Second Early Bird Drawing:
    • 1st Prize: $15,000
    • 2nd Prize: $10,000
    • 3rd Prize: $5,000
    • 4th Prize: $1,000
    • 5th Prize: $1,000
    • 6th Prize: $1,000
    • 7th Prize: $1,000
    • 8th Prize: $1,000
    • Entry Deadline: Friday March 16, 2012
  • Third Early Bird Drawing:
    • 1st Prize: $10,000
    • 2nd Prize: $5,000
    • 3rd Prize: $1,000
    • 4th Prize: $1,000
    • 5th Prize: $1,000
    • Entry Deadline: Friday April 13, 2012
  • Multi-Ticket Drawing:
    • 1st Prize: 2012 Toyota Prius v (subject to additional eligibility and rules)
    • 2nd Prize: European Vacation or $10,000 cash
    • 3rd Prize: Hawaiian Vacation or $5,000 cash
    • Entry Deadline: Deadline Friday May 18, 2012
  • Refer-A-Friend Drawing:
    • Prize: $15,000
    • Entry Deadline: Deadline Friday May 18, 2012
  • Grand Prize Drawing:
    • Grand Prize: Dream House or $1,500,000 annuity or $1,100,000 onetime cash option
    • 2nd Prize: $25,000
    • 3rd Prize: $10,000
    • 4th Prize: $5,000
    • 5th Prize: $2,000
    • Prizes 6-10: $1,000 each
    • Prizes 11-15: $500 each
    • Prizes 16-100: $300 each
    • Entry Deadline Friday May 18, 2012

Do you accept applications by email or sell tickets on the internet?

No. Pursuant to California statutory regulations and to section 320.5 of the Penal Code, charitable raffle tickets may not be sold, redeemed or exchanged on the internet.

How long will it take to receive my ticket in the mail?

At least four weeks. All tickets purchased before an entry deadline are included in a drawing even if the customer's portion of the ticket arrives after the drawing date.

Is this Dream House Raffle legal?

Yes it is. In the summer of 2001, the California Legislature amended the state constitution to allow eligible non-profit organizations to conduct raffles as a means of raising funds. Special Olympics Southern California is registered with the California Attorney General's Office to conduct this charitable raffle.

Will the drawing be audited?

Yes, an independent accounting agency will audit the raffle as well as supervise the early bird drawings, the multi-ticket drawing, the refer-a-friend drawing, and the grand prize drawing.

How much does a raffle ticket cost?

Each raffle ticket costs $150.

How many raffle tickets can I buy?

You may buy as many tickets as you like.

How many raffle tickets will be sold?

Only 35,000 tickets will be sold. The chances of winning are based on that number. If fewer tickets are sold, the chances of winning the Grand prize and other prizes improve. Purchasing more than one ticket increases the chances of winning.

What are the odds of winning?

The odds of winning the $2,000,000 Dream House is based on the number of tickets sold. If all tickets are sold the odds of winner the Grand Prize are 1 in 35,000.

How many prizes are awarded?

In addition to the grand prize, there will be over 100 other prizes ranging from $25,000 to $300.

What are the Early Bird Drawings?

There are three Early Bird Drawings. This is meant to encourage people to purchase tickets sooner rather than later. If you purchase a ticket before an early bird deadline you are included in the early bird drawing, the subsequent early bird drawings AND included in the grand prize drawing. All tickets entered into the early bird drawings, as well as early bird drawing winners are included in the grand prize drawing.

When is the Early Bird Drawing 1?

All tickets purchased by February 17, 2012 will be entered into the Early Bird Drawing 1. The Early Bird Drawing will take place on February 29, 2012.

What are the prizes for entering the Early Drawing 1?

  • 1st Prize: $25,000
  • 2nd Prize: $10,000
  • 3rd Prize: $5,000

When is the Early Bird Drawing 2?

All tickets purchased by March 16, 2012 will be entered into the Early Bird Drawing 2. The Early Bird Drawing 2 will take place on March 28, 2012.

What are the prizes for entering the Early Drawing 2?

  • 1st Prize: $15,000
  • 2nd Prize: $10,000
  • 3rd Prize: $5,000
  • 4th Prize: $1,000
  • 5th Prize: $1,000
  • 6th Prize: $1,000
  • 7th Prize: $1,000
  • 8th Prize: $1,000

When is the Early Bird Drawing 3?

All tickets purchased by April 13, 2012 will be entered into the Early Bird Drawing 3. The Early Bird Drawing 3 will take place on April 25, 2012.

What are the prizes for entering the Early Drawing 3?

  • 1st Prize: $10,000
  • 2nd Prize: $5,000
  • 3rd Prize: $1,000
  • 4th Prize: $1,000
  • 5th Prize: $1,000

What is the Multi-Ticket Drawing?

Any individual who buys more than one ticket will be entered into an additional Multi-Ticket Drawing for $40,000 in luxury prizes. Entrants that purchase two tickets will receive two entries into the Multi-Ticket Drawing. Entrants that purchase three tickets will receive three entries into the Multi-Ticket Drawing, etc. For those entrants who buy more than one ticket, in order to qualify for the Multiple Ticket Drawing, all subsequent tickets purchased must be identical to the first one purchased; same name with matching address. To be eligible, ticket order with payment must be received before all 35,000 tickets are sold and in any event by Friday, May 18, 2012.

  • 1st Prize: 2012 Toyota Prius v (subject to additional eligibility and rules)
  • 2nd Prize: European Vacation or $10,000 cash
  • 3rd Prize: Hawaiian Vacation or $5,000 cash

What is the Refer-A-Friend Drawing?

For every person who purchases a ticket and provides your name at the time of purchase, you will receive one ticket entry specifically for the Refer a Friend Drawing. If two people you refer each purchase a separate ticket, you will receive two entries, if three people you refer each purchase separate tickets, you will receive three entries, etc. Drawing will be held at the time of the Grand Prize drawings. To be eligible, ticket order with payment and referral must be received before all 35,000 tickets are sold and in any event by Friday, May 18, 2012.

  • Refer-A-Friend Prize: $15,000

Who benefits from this raffle?

The prize winners as well as Special Olympics Southern California.

When does the raffle start and when does it end?

The raffle begins on January 17, 2012 and ends on May 18, 2012. If all tickets are sold before the May 13th deadline, the raffle will end sooner.

When will the prize drawings be held?

  • The Early Bird Drawing 1 will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
  • The Early Bird Drawing 2 will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
  • The Early Bird Drawing 3 will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
  • The Grand Prize Drawing, Multi-Ticket Drawing and Refer-A-Friend Drawing will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at a location to be announced.
  • Special Olympics Southern California reserves the right to change the drawing dates to be held earlier if all tickets are sold before May 18, 2012.

Do I have to be present to win?

No.

How will the winners be notified?

Winners will be notified by phone based on the contact information provided at the time of ticket purchase. The winning names will also be posted on this website shortly after the drawing.

Who can buy a raffle ticket?

Anyone 18 years of age or older at the time of the purchase may enter. SOSC employees, members of the Board of Directors, authorized agents and employees thereof, consultants, attorneys, independent accountant firm, their spouses and children living in the same household are excluded from participating and are not eligible to win a prize. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. The Raffle is void where prohibited or restricted by law. An affidavit of eligibility, provided by Special Olympics Southern California, may be required from prize winners.

Are raffle tickets tax-deductible?

No. The IRS does not allow raffle tickets to be a tax-deductible contribution.

Are raffle prizes considered income?

Yes. In addition, Special Olympics Southern California will withhold required federal taxes for all prizes of $5,000 or more in accordance with federal law and the organization will remit the balance of the cash prizes to the winner. All prize winners of $1,000 or more will be required to submit an IRS Form 5750 and a W-2G in order to be awarded the prize.

Are there legal rules and regulations?

Yes. They may be viewed under the Rules and Regulations section of this web site.

How do I redeem my prize?

Prize winners will be contacted according to the contact information provided at the time of ticket purchase. In addition to a list of winners posted on the Special Olympics Southern California raffle web site, a list of winners may be obtained from Special Olympics Southern California by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: SOSC Dream House Raffle, 6730 East Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90808, within one week of the Grand Prize Drawing date.

How do I get more information on Special Olympics Southern California?

Please visit www.sosc.org or call 562-354-2600.

How can I make a tax-deductible contribution to Special Olympics Southern California?

Please visit http://sosc.org/page.aspx?pid=246 or call 562-354-2616.

Still have questions about the raffle that aren't answered here?

Please visit the Rules and Regulations section of this web site or contact the raffle office: office@socalraffle.com.

Bookmark and Share