Wednesday I wrote a press release for my local Chamber of Commerce and it got me to thinking how important Chambers can be to a local, vibrant community. They are indeed a small business themselves (though nonprofit usually). Today I’m sharing with you about the upcoming event in our community and how the Chamber plays an important role.
Free Concert by Erica Nicole Showcasing the $10,000 Raffle
December 3 is shaping up to be a really Holly Dazzle of an evening. First, there is the $10,000 Raffle drawing. For $100 you (or a group of people) can purchase a raffle ticket and get a chance to win $10,000. There are only 350 tickets sold, so your odds are very good. The drawing will occur at the historic Windsor Theatre. However, the Chamber has planned some other exciting events that evening. The evening begins at 5:15 with the Windsor Sing Along. Dawn Groskruger will lead guests in this popular, holiday sing along. Then special guest star, Erica Nicole, will be debuting the Midwestern release of her new holiday single Come On A Sleigh Ride. Erica is flying to Hampton, Iowa from Nashville specifically to sing at this event. Erica Nicole last visited our county for a Tuesday on the Town event this past June. She’s become a big fan of Greater Franklin County and is very excited to be coming back to our community. Nicole said, “I had such a great time in Hampton this past summer, I couldn’t wait to come back and release my new single in your town!”
There will be a drawing for $500 in Chamber Bucks from everyone that has purchased a raffle ticket that is present at the Windsor Theatre for this event. You will register when you come in. In addition, one lucky person will win dinner for two with Erica Nicole at Pakoda Steak House. The $10,000 Raffle winning ticket will also be drawn. Anyone is welcome to attend for the sing along and the Erica Nicole Concert. Seating is limited to 300 people and the Chamber encourages you to arrive in time for the Sing Along and stay for the free concert by Erica Nicole.
A free concert by national country star Erica Nicole, a holiday sing along featuring Dawn Groskruger, a chance to win $500 in Chamber bucks, a chance to win dinner with Erica Nicole and finally, a 1 in 350 chance to win $10,000; that’s a Holly Dazzle event.
In 2011, Berry Johnson won the $10,000 Raffle sponsored by the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Berry and Jan have been playing the $10,000 raffle since the very first year. Jan said “We never, ever expected to win. We played because we believe in what they are doing.”
When asked how they spent the money, Berry said “We shared the winnings through local charitable contributions, with our kids and Christmas shopping. We felt very fortunate to win and I knew I was supporting a good cause.”
In 2010, a group of ten people from Franklin General Hospital won the $10,000 Raffle. There are many people who join together every year and purchase a raffle ticket. It’s a great way to take advantage of the odds of winning; only 350 tickets are sold. Angela Rembe, one of the FGH group said “We thought it would be a good way to win some Christmas cash, have some fun and support a good organization at the same time!” The other winners in the group were: Shelly Craighton, Donna Viet, Koreen Van Horn, Audrey Larsen, Daphne Landers, Tess Wieck, Vicki Kruse, Karen Miller, and Kristi Zwiefel.
This year, proceeds from raffle tickets 300 to 350 will be donated by the Greater Franklin County Chamber to help fund the electronic sign being planned for Band Shell Park. Community events and activities will be able to be posted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and easily seen by anyone walking or driving by.
5:15 pm Windsor Sing Along led by Dawn Groskruger
5:50 pm Drawing for $500 in Chamber Bucks; must be present to win and have bought a raffle ticket
6:00 pm Erica Nicole Concert begins
6:20 pm Drawing for dinner for 2 at Pakoda’s with Erica Nicole after that show: must be present to win and have bought a raffle ticket
6:45 pm $10,000 Raffle Drawing for $10,000; must have bought a raffle ticket but you do not need to be present to win
6:50 pm Meet and Greet at the Windsor with Erica Nicole
The Greater Franklin County Chamber has close to 300 members and The purpose of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is to support economic growth, by improving the quality of life and business climate in the Greater Franklin County area. Please notice the various Chamber members involved in this event: Windsor Theatre, Pakoda Steak House, Franklin General Hospital, and Berry and Jan Johnson. We are a nonprofit organization that supports small businesses in the greater Franklin County area.
I always recommend to be involved with your local chamber. If they aren’t helping you, let them know how they can help you. An active membership of a Chamber is an asset to any community. It’s not a one way street – a working Chamber/business relationship that creates opportunity, recognition, sales and excitement needs both parties to work together. So volunteer, get involved, make a difference.
Find us online at:
www.facebook.com/GreaterFranklinCountyChamber