The 2010 Friends of Rollo Fundraising Raffle kicked off September 1st, 2009, and Southern Californians have until the last day of the 2010 Del Mar Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show next March to claim their shot at some truly amazing prizes.
This raffle is well known among local anglers, having tempted us with dreams of winning an awesome fishing rig from Davis Boats, exotic angling vacations and other prizes worth thousands of dollars - all for the purchase of a $10 raffle ticket. All proceeds go to benefit the Friends of Rollo Youth Fishing and Marine Education Program. Since its formation 10 years ago in memory of San Diego long-range skipper James "Rollo" Heyn, this 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization has taken more than 50,000 kids fishing through its ocean angling program.
As exciting as this annual raffle has been over the years, this year's event features a new twist that makes it even better. The Grand Prize winner in the 2010 Friends of Rollo Raffle can still walk away with the ultimate "dream boat " - a new fish-ready Bahia 25 from Davis Boats loaded with all the necessary equipment and ready to roll on a Pacific Trailer. However, if the lucky winner is more interested in rollin' than trollin', he or she can choose a shiny new Ford F150 pickup truck instead. Ever understanding of today's tough economic times, Friends of Rollo is also giving this year's winner the opportunity to select a $25,000 cash payout if preferred. This kind of scratch could pay for quite a few fishing trips or fatten up one lucky person's nest egg for the future.
In addition to the choice of Grand Prize, the Friends of Rollo Raffle gives anglers the chance to win one of five other fabulous prizes. These include an Alaskan Fishing Trip for two at the Sure-Strike Lodge and a Rancho Leonero Resort vacation for two to Baja's East Cape. Certified "tackle junkies" can fulfill their fantasies with two big prizes: a $2,000 Fisherman's Landing Tackle Shop Gift Card or $2,000 Seaforth Landing Tackle Shop Gift Card. Lastly, for those who want to accent themselves or their significant other in style, there is a $2,000 Custom Jewelry Certificate from Jon Pettey Goldsmith, a leading designer of fishing and boating themed jewelry.
Names will be drawn before a live audience at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Winners don't need to be present to win, and will be notified by phone or certified mail if necessary. This contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 and over.
Tickets will be available at both the Long Beach and Del Mar Fred Hall shows next year, however, interested parties needn't wait until then to ensure their shot at one of these great prizes. Tickets will be available at Fisherman's Landing Tackle Shop in San Diego, Point Loma Sportfishing in San Diego, Dana Landing in Mission Bay, Seaforth Sportfishing in Mission Bay, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Taka's Tackle in Buena Park. In addition tickets can be ordered online through the Friends of Rollo website at www.friendsofrollo.com.
