The only thing standing in the way of one lucky individual getting their hands on two VIP suite tickets to the Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in November is a simple $20 raffle ticket.
Just Friends Adult Services has teamed up with former Columbus resident Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oil Products, which owns the naming rights to Lucas Oil Stadium, to provide this unique fundraising opportunity. Just Friends will be hosting its second tailgating party, where the VIP raffle drawing will take place.
Just Friends, which is located on the south end of the Mill Race Center, will be opening the Colts 2017-18 season on Sept. 10 with a tailgating party at Mill Race for the team’s first game at the Los Angeles Rams. The tailgating tickets are $40 per person, which pays for access to food, drinks and games. Adult beverages will be provided, so those attending must be at least 21 years old.
The tailgate starts at 1 p.m. and will last until the game starts at 4 p.m. Viewing of the game is free and open the public of all ages.
The tailgating fundraiser helps the organization continue it’s services to the Columbus community. Just Friends is a local not-for-profit organization that provides day programs Monday through Friday for any adults in need of their services.
“Families who are caring for loved ones who really can’t be home alone, that’s who we serve,” marketing coordinator Chris Forbes said. “They can be 18 years or older that have some sort of challenge, whether it’s physical, mental or really just frail and can’t get out like they used to.”
Just Friends serves all four of the surrounding counties, as well. The standard fee for participants is $16 an hour, with a free membership through the Veteran Affairs for any qualifying veterans.
There is a sliding scale for those who are unable to pay the standard fee, and it can drop to as low as $8 an hour. Many of the participants are paying the lower $8 rate, which is why the tailgating party and raffle tickets are so important. The money made through the fundraiser helps make up the difference.
Tailgating tickets already are being sold online or by walk-ins. Raffle ticket forms can be downloaded and sent in with the $20 for the raffles to be mailed or picked up. Residents can buy tickets in person, also. There are 250 possible total raffle tickets to be sold.
Forbes said those are some pretty good odds of winning, especially if all of the raffles aren’t sold. But she is hoping the Columbus football fans show up in numbers.
“I know in Columbus, we have a lot of Steeler fans,” Forbes said. “So I’m hoping that will attract the Steelers group, as well.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Are you ready for some football?” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: Just Friends tailgating fundraiser
When: Sept. 10, 1-4 p.m. (tailgate fundraiser) and 4 p.m. (Colts at Rams game)
Where : Mill Race Center
Cost: $40 (game viewing at 4 p.m. is free)
Raffle ticket: $20
Raffle Prize: Two VIP suite tickets provided by Forrest Lucas for the Nov. 12 Steelers at Colts game
[sc:pullout-text-end]
