NEWPORT — Plans for the Newport Rotary Club’s 8th Annual Penny Sale are well underway, according to Bruce Jasper, chairman of this year’s event.
“We’re excited to announce the date of Saturday May 12, for our major fundraiser of the year. Dan Cherrywill be Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
According to Jasper, Cherry does an excellent job keeping the evening moving along as he announces the winners of 300-plus prizes that will be drawn. The Newport Senior Center will be selling refreshments.
The penny sale will be held at the Newport Middle High School Gymnasium. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., a half hour earlier than in past years with the drawing of prizes to start at 6:30 p.m., Jasper explained.
“We’ve received staunch support from the community each time we have held a penny sale. The public has always turned out to support our efforts and we’ve tried very hard to plan an event that was fun for everyone participating. At the same time, we are committed to raising funds for local and worldwide projects, which is an important goal for all Rotary clubs.”
During the next two months Rotary members will be contacting area businesses asking for their support. “We are grateful and hope that will be the case again this year,” Jasper stated.
In addition to the 300 prizes that will be raffled off that evening, Rotary members are already selling tickets for a cash prize that will be awarded at the end of the night. One thousand dollars will be raffled ($1,200 if you are present) as the first prize. A second prize of $500 ($600 if present) will also be given away, Jasper explained.
Penny sales are popular as they offer the public an opportunity to support a worthwhile cause and have an enjoyable evening that is affordable and family friendly. Rotary President Peter Martin added
“We will draw three rounds of prizes that evening and will give away 100 prizes in each round. Tickets will cost $1 each, $5 for six, $10 for 12, and $20 for 25 and all tickets for each round will be placed in a tumbler. When a ticket is drawn the individual holding the ticket will win the prize for that numbered item and then the ticket is returned to the tumbler and is eligible to be drawn again.
“Our swap table gives people a second chance if they win something they might not use. They can swap it out with another prize. That always adds to the evening’s fun.” Martin added.
In addition to the three rounds where 300 prizes will be given away, several large prizes will be drawn after the last round. Tickets from all three rounds will be placed back in the tumbler and large prizes will be drawn. Finally, the cash prizes will be awarded. Tickets for the cash prizes are now available from any Rotary member and will be on sale throughout the evening of May 12. The price for those tickets is also $1 each, $5 for six tickets, $10 for 12 tickets, and $20 for 25 tickets.
“We have identified two major beneficiaries for this event – both local. They include the Senior Center’s Building Renovation Project and funding for a Mini Grant Program our club established for Newport teachers lastyear.
“In 2017 our club was able to fund five $1,000 grants at Newport High School. We would like to continue that project and may open it to other levels as well.
“Businesses are also asked to sponsor the event with donations of $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. Businesses across the region support our efforts and we have already begun receiving prizes and sponsorships. Holding a penny sale means a lot of legwork for all of our club members. However, the outcome is so beneficial to so many we feel it is definitely worth it” Martin emphasized.
For more information about the penny sale or Newport Rotary Club visit www.newportnhrotary.org on Facebook at Rotary Club Newport, N.H.
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