This page was last updated:  26 MAR 01,  0330Z

We've received several questions regarding the upcoming raffle/auction.  It's only due to a lack of time and resources that the information posted to date has been so scanty.  The purpose of this page is to explain this raffle/auction in detail, and to clarify matters.  Granted, the current plan is a bit convoluted and confusing.  Hopefully, this explanation will clear things up by explaining the "why's and wherefore's" involved.  In any event, arrangements are not yet finalized as of this writing, and the topic is open for discussion.  If anyone can come up with better (and/or simpler) ideas, they'll be gratefully received.  Please use the Discussion Forum -- rather than email -- to post your comments and suggestions.  Mutual brainstorming is almost always productive.  But don't delay ... the deadline for proposals is March 29th.

First, an explanation of our current thinking on the subject.  Please bear in mind -- AT ALL TIMES -- that the underlying and foremost purpose of this venture is to maximize revenues for the ship.  With that said, here are the concepts and reasoning involved.

Jerry Howe is donating a large-scale, museum-quality LST model to the Memorial.  (If you haven't yet seen it, be sure to visit the Fund-Raising page.)  It's valued at over $1,000.00.  We've been highlighting the model on the website because it generates quite a bit of interest in the LST community-at-large.  However, we'll be selling raffle tickets to anybody who will buy them -- neighbors, coworkers, etc. -- and the sooner we get started, the more funding generated.  Thus, the odds are pretty good that the raffle will be won by someone who does not particularly care to have a 4-foot-plus LST model gracing the living room.  Let alone, to assume the burden of transportation arrangements and costs.  (I've personally canvassed 30 coworkers.  Virtually all of them would buy tickets, but not a single one would actually want the model.)  Therefore, we're making the model an optional Grand Prize with the default Grand Prize being $500.00 cash.  In this way, we can accommodate everyone who might care to buy a ticket.  Many people buying tickets will be doing so just to "be polite" -- there's nothing wrong with that -- how many times have you bought raffle tickets, made donations or bought items just to be polite?  Fair's fair ... now it's our turn to hit them up!

Fast-forward now to the drawing at the convention in September, with the winning ticket being drawn.  If the winner is present at the drawing, a choice can be made between the cash prize or the model.  If the winner isn't present, the default prize (as said) is the $500.00 cash.

The main question raised in our correspondence is:  exactly why does the winner have to be present to win the model?  The simple answer is:  we just can't put ourselves in the position of "being stuck holding the bag."  What if No-Show Joe Blow, living in No-Snow, New Mexico, says he wants the model but then reneges on the deal?  We're left holding this model -- that a lot of people really do want -- and looking around wondering, "What do we do now?"  A raffle winner simply must take possession of the model on the spot, assuming all responsiblity for transportation arrangements and costs.  Such costs, unless someone has personal transportation at hand in Mobile, will be considerable.

So what if a ticket purchaser really wants the model, but is unable to attend the convention?  This may not be a completely satisfactory answer, but at least it's one available option.  Just about anyone who really wants the model is, to some extent, "plugged into" the LST community.  Simply make arrangements for someone attending the convention to act as a proxy and accept the model on your behalf.  Should you decide to take that route, make certain that your proxy takes your ticket(s) to the convention!

Now, let's get back to the default versus optional prizes.  As said, we want to make sure that the model goes to someone who will really value it.  Also as said, we want to maximize our receipts.  If the model goes unclaimed as the Grand Prize, we have yet another opportunity to make money for the ship ... we hold a live auction!  There can be little doubt but that a roomful of avid LSTer's are not going to let this beauty go cheap!  The bidding should be fast and furious.

At this point in our scenario, the high bidder takes possession of the model.  Since the opening bid is $500.00, we present that amount to the Grand Prize winner (thus, the $500.00 is not an out-of-pocket expense for us).  Any amount over and above the $500 goes directly to the Memorial Fund.  So, in one fell swoop, we've insured that (1) the model goes to someone who really wants it; and (2) that revenues received for the Memorial Fund have been maximized.

Of course, if the raffle winner is available to choose the model in the first place, the auction part of this plan never takes place.

Yes, this plan is a little confusing and convoluted.  That's because it's designed to address as many contingencies as we can possibly anticipate.  If you've got a better idea, please let us know via the Discussion Forum.  These plans are not yet finalized, and a "better idea" will most certainly receive our attention and consideration.  Time's short, though.  Any suggestions need to be received no later than March 29th.

As always, thanks for your interest, and we look forward to seeing you in September!