TTT and SFA boat raffle moved to December

The organizing committees of the Tasi to Table youth fishing club and the Saipan Fishermen’s Association would like to inform the public that the raffle slated for July 2020 has been postponed to Dec. 12, 2020. Location and time will be provided at a later time.

Between the organizers and sponsors, it was agreed upon that, with the economic slowdown from COVID-19, it is prudent that the raffle drawing be moved to give better opportunities for the community to avail of these special fishing prizes up for grabs. Sponsors of the specialty prized items—Coral Reef Marine Center Guam, Morning Star Boats, Mercury Marine, Mobil Oil Marianas, Saipan Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc. (MarPac), Roil Soil Clothing, IT&E, 4Ever CNMI, Saipan Fishermen’s Association, and Tasi to Table—have all agreed to move the raffle date ensuring opportunities for all involved.

Grand prize raffle is a brand new 16-foot Morning Star aluminum hull boat with a 60hp 4-stroke outboard motor that comes with a trailer, bimini top, handheld VHF radio, navigation lights, fuel tank, life jackets and emergency flare set. A complete boat package was originally intended to be offered during the SFA’s 36th annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament slated for July 2020.

“Given the nature of what this pandemic is causing, we [SFA] feel it imperative that we consider [moving] our raffle program,” said Gene Weaver, SFA president.

The raffle is designed to support the youth in that funds garnered will go toward the mentorship program that the SFA has with Tasi to Table to offer to each of Public School System’s high schools.

At $100 for each raffle ticket and with a limited number of tickets printed for this drawing, purchasers have a better chance of winning great prizes that follow the grand prize offered by Coral Reef Marine Center Guam, Morning Star Boats and Mercury Marine outboards.

“We have been given an opportunity to support the CNMI’s youth fishing club as well the SFA over the years and because of the situation we are facing with Covid-19, Coral Reef Marine Center Guam has agreed with the organizing committee to move up the raffle date. It would provide a better position for all involved with securing a better outcome for this type of fundraising activity that benefits the youth fishing club with Tasi to Table,” said Tim Perez, Coral Reef Marine Center Guam.

Cecilio Raiukuilipy, chairman of the Tasi to Table youth fishing club, said, “We want to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity. The raffle is intended to support the fishing clubs and therefore a decision amongst members of TTT that we will move the date. Our youth fishing clubs…deserve the best opportunities we can provide…TTT will continue to push opportunities for our youth.”

With added time for the raffle drawing, additional sponsors for the raffle now include other businesses offering packages that will be drawn as well. At $100 for each ticket, a total value of prizes being offered in December is estimated at $30,000 in value.

“For those that have already purchased tickets, we thank you in advance and ask for your understanding in the postponement,” added Weaver.

For raffle ticket purchase, contact TTT members at 789-2539, 788-8057, 483-4363, 789-6363 or members of the SFA to get your tickets. Limited tickets are available for purchase. (PR)