Raffle to support Illinois parks

Ticket sales extended for Illinois Sportsman’s and Parks Raffle

Drawing for prizes – including $100,000 first prize – now set for September 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) and Friends of Illinois Parks have announced that the prize drawing – including the $100,000 first-prize drawing – for the “Illinois Sportsman’s and Parks Raffle” will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010. Tickets can be purchased until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and they are available from both the ICF and the Friends of Illinois Parks. Ticket sales have been extended to the new grand prize drawing date of Sept. 1. (The previously announced first-prize drawing date was May 14, 2010).

Proceeds from the raffle will support programs in local park districts, forest preserve districts and recreation agencies, as well as youth outdoor recreation and natural resources protection programs throughout Illinois.

Only 4,000 tickets will be sold for the raffle for a chance to win these prizes:

1st prize - $100,000
2nd prize - $10,000
3rd prize - $3,000
4th-10th prizes - $1,000
11th-20th prizes - $500
21st-50th prizes - $250

The ICF was established in 1994 to raise funds in support of programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Many of the programs supported by the ICF are focused on youth participation in outdoor recreation, environmental awareness and conservation education.

The Friends of Illinois Parks supports park districts, forest preserve districts and recreation agencies in providing open space for recreation, wildlife habitat and natural resources protection. Proceeds from the raffle will support research, environmental awareness and the PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant Program, a Friends initiative that provides Illinois children with safe, structured beyond school activities focused on health, fitness and nutrition.

Tickets for the raffle are priced at $100 each and are available at www.isp-raffle.com (to purchase tickets or download ticket order form), by calling 217-523-4554, or by mailing Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.