Tina and Leila: Unique fundraiser honors the Marianas’ farming, ranching heritage

In a nod to the long and colorful history of ranching and farming in the Northern Marianas, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Christina “Tina” Sablan (D-Saipan) and her running mate, Rep. Leila Fleming Staffler (D-Saipan), are inviting the public to a unique campaign fundraiser on April 9, from 10am to 2pm, at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion on Beach Road, Saipan.

The public will have the chance to attend a livestock event and win live cattle, pigs, ducks and goats. The grand prize is a cow worth $1,600.

“We wanted to recognize the many farmers and ranchers whose hard work has put food on local tables for generations,” said Sablan.

“Growing up on Tinian, I saw first-hand how hard farmers and ranchers worked,” said Staffler. “We thought this would be a fun way to honor that heritage, and have a family friendly event for the whole community. After all, who wouldn’t like to win a cow or goat in a raffle?”

The highlight of the event is the livestock raffle. Prizes include:
● 2 live cows valued at $1,600
● 2 roosters valued at $300
● 2 pigs valued at $200
● 3 ducks valued at $150
● 1 goat at $100 value
● 2 chickens at $100 value
Individuals do not have to be present to win. Winners can choose between cash or livestock. If cash is preferred, 10% of the auction price will go to the event. If livestock is preferred, the winner is responsible for coordinating the retrieval of the animal from the event site. Non-livestock prizes such as an electric fan, rice cooker, cases of soda, and more will also be raffled off.

The event will additionally feature a petting zoo for kids of all ages. Food plates and drinks will also be sold at the event.

To purchase raffle tickets, community members may contact Tina and Leila’s Committee to Elect at fundraising@sablanstaffler.com or call/text 670-484-DEMS. Raffle tickets for the livestock raffle are priced at $5 each and can be purchased using cash or electronic payment. Electronic payments are accepted via Paypal @votetinasablan, email link: tinasablan@gmail.com, with transaction screenshots for reference. $1 raffle tickets will be sold on the day of the event for non-livestock prizes.

Sablan and Staffler are the Democratic candidates for the 2022 CNMI gubernatorial election. (PR)