San Diego possesses some of the finest coastal real estate in the country, epitomized in nearly every film depiction of the coast. The coast has become synonymous with promise, possibility, and stories of personal success. Most are familiar with the Ronald McDonald House, the national entity and charitable arm of the McDonald’s fast food chain. What some may not know, however, is the fashion in which the San Diego Chapter of the Ronald McDonald House has been fundraising over the past decade. This year, and similar to years past, the Ronald McDonald House Charity is raffling off 1,700 prizes, as well as a $2.1 million oceanfront home located on the pristine cliffs in the Bird Rock community. Although they have been holding similar auctions for the last 13 years, this was the first year that the charity was able to secure a property on the coast.
“This has always been an innovative fundraising idea,” said Chuck Day, president and CEO of the San Diego Ronald McDonald House. “I came on about six years ago, and since then we have always aimed to make more of an impact. One way we achieve this is through finding bigger and more beautiful homes, which tends to make things a bit more attractive.”
Typically, the raffle prizes start off with small, consumer products, and escalate to anywhere from luxury trips, a Tesla, cash prizes, and, of course, this amazing home. While those involved with the raffle aim to keep the address disclosed until allowed to physically do so, they can affirm that the house is located in Bird Rock, and boasts a jacuzzi and two-stories of porches with panoramic views. “It’s truly amazing how these people act when they win, and I am thrilled to be able to personally make the call myself,” said Day. “In most cases, people typically select cash prizes, of which they claim changes their lives tremendously. In surveying some of our past participants, we discovered that we should look to properties closer to the coast, which created some extra buzz. This year, we were extremely lucky to include such a terrific property in our fundraising efforts.”
Day says that all of the proceeds from the raffle will stay directly in San Diego, also benefitting will be the Ronald McDonald House, with its 47-room facility for children and families. “The Dream House Raffle is our largest fundraiser and while it makes many people happy, it has a tremendous impact on our House and the families who use our services,” said Day. “Proceeds from the Dream House Raffle allow us to continue providing a ‘home away from home’ for families who have critically ill or injured children in local hospitals. The raffle supports all of our services, including lodging, meals and emotional support, that are crucial for our guests.”
Raffle tickets cost $150 each and are also available in discounted multi-ticket packs. A three-pack of tickets costs $400, and a five-pack of tickets costs $550. The earlier tickets are purchased, the better the chances there are to win in special “early bird” drawings leading up to the final grand prize drawing in May. The first early bird ticket deadline is Feb. 10, of which the bonus prize available is a 2017 Tesla Model S—or $50,000. Early bird winners are still eligible to receive the grand prize. Other prizes available throughout the raffle include some of the hottest technology devices, jewelry, luxury home goods, vehicles, and vacations.
For more information, visit www.sdraffle.com or call 888-824-9939.
