Westminster Fire Company annual Big Money Raffle slated for May 23, 2019

Big Money Raffle Chances are now available for the raffle with the drawing on May 23, 2019.

By Westminster Fire Company PIO and Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff, kdayhoff@westminstervfd.org April 1, 2019

The Carroll County carnival and fire department fund raising season starts in May when the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 hosts its annual ‘Big Money Raffle.’

The raffle is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Westminster Fire Company. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, May 23, 2019, from 6 to 9 pm in the engine bays at the station at 28 John Street in Westminster.

In addition to the cash drawings there will be plenty of fried chicken, hot dogs, and all the traditional summer picnic delights. It has become an annual tradition for friends, family, and neighbors to fill the fire station for a fun evening.

It is not known how many years the Westminster Fire Company has held this raffle, but the idea is certainly not new. Many years ago, the fire company gave away a Cadillac as the first prize.

According to research by historian Jay Graybeal, an article from January 1896 in the Historical Society of Carroll ‘J. Leland Jordan Collection,’ reports:

“In 1840 the citizens petitioned the legislature to pass an act enabling them to hold a lottery to raise $5,000 to purchase a new fire engine, build a new engine-house, town hall and market-house, but nothing came of it.”

There are only 3000 tickets printed. The cost per ticket is $10.00 each. There will be 14 winners – with a top prize of $ 10,000; 2nd prize is $ 2,000. 3rd prize is $1,000.

Refreshments are for ticket holders only. You do not need to be present to win. There will be 50/50 raffle tickets, and other games of chance available during the evening.

The Westminster Fire Department extends its appreciation to the following local Carroll County businesses for sponsoring the cash prizes: InfoPathways, Baugher’s Restaurant, Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, Barnes Bollinger Insurance, Pritts Funeral Home, B&D Truck Hoist, Johanssons & O’Lordans, Ain’t That A Frame, The Cutting Garden, Hock Auto Upholstering, Haines Realty, Affordable Auto Maryland LLC, and C&O Distributors.

The Westminster Fire Department would also like to thank the following corporate sponsors for their support: RBC Wealth Management, Gauge Digital Media, Sams Creek Porta Pots, Penguin Random House, Westminster Car Care, Flowers by Evelyn, Chick-fil-A, Perry’s Vending, Swain Supply, Hughes Trash Removal, Canteen Vending, Brewer’s Market, Rafael’s Restaurant, Maggie’s Restaurant, and the Jeannie Bird Baking Company.

The tickets were printed compliments of Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.A. 410.848.7575, 254 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 www.fletcherfunerahome.net

Call the Westminster Fire Department at 410-848-1800 for more information.