Friends of Sylvan Lake Library’s (FOSLL) annual Christmas raffle proved successful in supporting the Sylvan Lake Library once again, bringing in more than $1,300 in ticket sales.
For the first time, the donated prizes were split into three separate packages, giving entrants a higher chance of winning. The new format, FOSLL treasurer John Lincoln feels, played a major part in the raffle’s success.
“The new prize format was well received by our long-term and new ticket supporters,” he said. “They bought over $1,300 in tickets, which will go to support programs that could never happen within the regular budgets.”
This year’s amount raised was twice as large as that from last year, he added.
Prizes were awarded by FOSLL members Lincoln, Gail Hergenhein and Ian Oostindie during a ceremony at the library on Dec. 20.
The top prize — a Kay Johanson cross-stitched stocking — went to Stella and Bud McInnis; second prize to David Dale; and third prize to Donna Juneau.
FOSLL chair Peter Mielke said organizers were overwhelmed by the many business and private donations received from the community. He knows there are also other people who would have also supported the raffle, given the chance.
“Of course we can’t knock on every door, and some of those we didn’t call let us know next year they want to support the library,” he said. “Next year, we will make sure we visit those supporters.”
Oostindie said members of the volunteer committee enjoy organizing the raffle and other events like it in support of the library. Each member, he said, has their own individual reasons for getting involved.
“I like the idea that we support youth and help super young kids learn to read,” he said. “The library supports more than reading: I see adults meeting at the library and teenagers doing their homework projects.”
The raffle will return again next year, with at least one book sale to take place before then in spring or summer.