Frequently Asked Questions - Special Olympics Southern California Dream Big Raffle

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Dream Big Raffle to Benefit Special Olympics Southern California?

Special Olympics Southern California's Dream Big Raffle is one of our largest fundraisers. The raffle aims to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California in its continuing effort to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society. In addition to supporting Special Olympics Southern California, the raffle will give away over 2,800 prizes, of which the grand prize is a Calabasas dream home or $1 million annuity.

How do I purchase raffle tickets?

What are the prizes?

Bonus Drawings:

  • Early Bird Drawing 1:
    • Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 Rivian R1S plus $20,000, or $100,000 cash
    • Entry Deadline: March 20, 2026
  • Early Bird Drawing 2:
    • Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 All Electric Mini Cooper Countryman SE, or $50,000 cash
    • Entry Deadline: April 24, 2026
  • Multi-Ticket Drawing:
    • Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 Genesis GV70 2.5T Sport Prestige AWD or $60,000
    • Entry Deadline: May 22, 2026
  • Add-On Drawing:
    • Participants who purchase at least one Dream Big Raffle ticket are eligible to purchase an Add-On ticket for entry into the Add-On Weekly Drawings.
    • Weekly Add-On Tickets are one for $25, 3-packs for $60, and 6-packs for $100
    • Week 1:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, March 20, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
    • Week 2:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, March 27, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
    • Week 3:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 3, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
    • Week 4:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 10, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
    • Week 5:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 17, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
    • Week 6:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 24, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
    • Week 7:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 1, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
    • Week 8:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 8, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
    • Week 9:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 15, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
    • Week 10:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 22, 2026
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
    • One $10,000 cash prize will be given away in each weekly drawing.
    • All Add-On tickets purchased prior to each of the weekly Add-On Ticket Deadlines are eligible for that drawing as well as all subsequent weekly drawings, even if the ticket is a weekly drawing winner. Orders must be physically received by the close of business the Friday before each drawing date and not postmarked by that Friday. Add-On tickets must be ordered in conjunction with a Dream Big raffle ticket. Add-On orders will not be accepted after the original Dream Big Raffle ticket order date. Only one method of payment and only one mailing address are permitted. An individual can purchase as many Add-On tickets as they may wish. There is no limit on the maximum number of Add-On tickets that may be sold.

Grand Prize Drawing:

  • Grand Prize: Calabasas Dream House or $1,000,000 annuity or $700,000 one-time cash option*
  • 2nd Prize: Vacation to the Sicilian Countryside (7 Days/6 Nights) or $10,000
  • 3rd Prize: Vacation to Singapore (7 Days/6 Nights) or $10,000
  • 4th Prize: Vacation to Montreux, Switzerland (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 5th Prize: Vacation to Romania (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 6th Prize: Vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 7th Prize: Vacation to Edinburgh, Scotland (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 8th Prize: Vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica (airfare included) (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • 9th Prize: Vacation to Athens, Greece (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • 10th Prize: Vacation to Alberta, Canada (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • Prizes 11-2000: Gift Cards
    Winners may choose a gift card from the following preselected retailers: AMC Theatres, Amazon, BJ's Brewhouse, Jersey Mikes, Top Golf, TJ Maxx, Spa & Wellness by Spa Week, Vons, or Visa Prepaid.
    • (10) 1,000 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (20) $500 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (30) $250 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (50) 200 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (100) $150 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (250) $100 gift cards (winner's choice)
    • (1,530) $50 gift cards (winner's choice)
  • Prizes 2,001-2,800: Physical Prizes
    • (1) Happy EBikes® Happy Everywhere Folding Step-Thru Electric Bike White
    • (1) Samsung® 65" Samsung 65" Crystal UHD Smart TV with Soundbar
    • (2) Samsung® 55" Samsung 55" QLED Smart TV
    • (2) BOTE® Wulf Aero 11'4" Native Dune Inflatable Paddle Board
    • (2) GreenPan® Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker Berry
    • (5) Ninja® FrostVault 30qt Wheeled Cooler w/ Cold Dry Zone Lakeshore Blue
    • (2) Capresso® Café TS Espesso Machine
    • (10) Samsonite® Freeform Hardside 21" Carry On Spinner - Navy
    • (25)Samsung® Samsung Galaxy Buds
    • (50) Aura® 10.1" Carver Digital Photo Frame by Aura - Sea Salt White
    • (50) High Sierra® HI-LIFE 3-in-1 Conv Backpack - BLACK/BLUE
    • (50) Native Union® Rise 3-in-1 Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charger Black
    • (50) Polo Ralph Lauren® Tartan Plush Microfiber Robe L/XL
    • (100) COSORI® Pro Gen 2 5.8qt Air Fryer Red
    • (100) American Tourister® Stratum 3.0 Carry-On Hardside Spinner Elemental Blue
    • (100) Ninja® Blast 18oz Portable Blender w/ Accessories Red
    • (100) Ihome® Triple Charging Portable Wireless Alarm Clock w/ Valet Tray
    • (150) CHARGEWORX® Chargeworx Wireless Desk Stand 3 in 1 Charger with Magsafe
  • Entry Deadline: May 22, 2026
  • Drawing Date: June 16, 2026 (subject to change)

Do you accept applications by email or sell tickets on the internet?

No. Pursuant to California statutory regulations and to section 320.5 of the Penal Code, charitable raffle tickets may not be sold or accepted on the internet.

How long will it take to receive my ticket in the mail?

At least three weeks. All tickets purchased before an entry deadline are included in a drawing even if the customer's portion of the ticket arrives after the drawing date.

How long will it take to receive my receipt by email?

Receipts are delivered within 5 minutes after an order is processed to the email address provided at the time of entry. If you did not receive your email receipt, check your SPAM folder, or add socalraffle@sosc.org as a trusted name in your address book.

Is this Dream Big Raffle legal?

Yes, it is. In the summer of 2001, the California Legislature amended the state constitution to allow eligible non-profit organizations to conduct raffles as a means of raising funds. Special Olympics Southern California is registered with the California Attorney General's Office to conduct this charitable raffle.

Will the drawings be audited?

Yes, an independent auditor will audit as well as supervise the early bird drawings, the multi-ticket drawing, and the grand prize drawing.

How much does a raffle ticket cost?

Raffle Tickets are one for $150, 3-packs for $400, and 5-packs for $550

How many raffle tickets can I buy?

You may buy as many tickets as you like, subject to availability.

How many raffle tickets will be sold?

Only 70,000 tickets will be sold. The chances of winning are based on that number. If fewer tickets are sold, the chances of winning the Grand Prize and other prizes improve. There are over 2,800 total prizes making the odds of winning a prize 1 in 25. Purchasing more than one ticket increases the chances of winning.

What are the odds of winning?

The odds of winning the Dream House or the $1,000,000 annuity are based on the number of tickets sold. If all tickets are sold, the odds of winning the Grand Prize are 1 in 70,000 if you purchased one ticket. There are over 2,800 other prizes available, making the odds of winning a prize 1 in 25.

How many prizes are awarded?

Over 2,800 prizes are awarded, including the grand prize, vehicles, vacations, and electronics.

Has the house ever been claimed as the Grand Prize?

A minimum number of tickets sold threshold is set each year so that the raffle can be a sustainable fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California. If the threshold is met, then the house becomes an option for the Grand Prize Winner. While we always hope we will be able to offer the house as the Grand Prize, as of the 2025 raffle the minimum number of tickets sold threshold has never been met. For the 2026 Dream Big Raffle, a minimum of 67,000 tickets must be sold in order for the house to be an option.

Why is there a ticket threshold for the house to be an option for the Grand Prize?

All prizes for the Dream Big Raffle are purchased, including the house. A minimum number of tickets sold is needed for the raffle to continue as a viable fundraiser and so that we can purchase the house if the Grand Prize Winner selects this option.

None of the prizes awarded are donated; all prizes are purchased by Special Olympics Special Southern California.

What are the Early Bird Drawings?

There are two Early Bird Drawings. This is meant to encourage people to purchase tickets sooner rather than later. If you purchase a ticket before an early bird deadline you are included in the early bird drawing, any subsequent early bird drawings AND in the grand prize drawing. All tickets entered into the early bird drawings, as well as early bird drawing winners are included in the grand prize drawing.

Can you tell me more about Early Bird Drawing 1?

All tickets purchased by March 20, 2026, will be entered into Early Bird Drawing 1. The Early Bird Drawing will take place on or about Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 Rivian R1S plus $20,000, or $100,000 cash

Can you tell me more about Early Bird Drawing 2?

All tickets purchased by April 24, 2026, will be entered into Early Bird Drawing 2. The Early Bird Drawing 2 will take place on or about Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 All Electric Mini Cooper Countryman SE, or $50,000 cash

What is the Multi-Ticket Drawing?

Any individual who buys three or more tickets will be automatically entered into the Multi-Ticket Drawing. To be eligible, entrants must purchase three or more tickets during the same purchase, using one method of payment, using the same name on each ticket, and using the same mailing address for each eligible ticket. For each eligible ticket purchased, a corresponding ticket will be added into the Multi-Ticket Drawing. Three tickets purchased will have three tickets entered into the Multi-Ticket Drawing. Four tickets purchased will have four tickets entered into the Multi-Ticket Drawing, etc. Multiple tickets purchased at the same time are eligible for discounts. 3-packs are available for $400, and 5-packs are available for $550.

Prize: Winner's choice between a 2026 Genesis GV70 2.5T Sport Prestige AWD or $60,000

What is the Add-On Drawing?

SOSC Dream Big Raffle participants who purchase at least one Dream Big Raffle ticket are eligible to purchase an Add-On ticket for entry into the Add-On Weekly Drawings.

Weekly Add-On Tickets are one for $25, 3-packs for $60, and 6-packs for $100

  • Week 1:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, March 20, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
  • Week 2:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, March 27, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Week 3:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 3, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  • Week 4:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 10, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  • Week 5:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 17, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  • Week 6:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 24, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Week 7:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 1, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Week 8:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 8, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
  • Week 9:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 15, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
  • Week 10:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 22, 2026
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

One $10,000 cash prize will be given away in each weekly drawing.

All Add-On tickets purchased prior to each of the weekly drawing Add-On Ticket Deadlines are eligible for that drawing as well as all subsequent weekly drawings, even if the ticket is a weekly drawing winner. Orders must be phyiscally received by the Friday before each drawing date and not just postmarked by Friday. Add-On tickets must be ordered in conjunction with a Dream Big Raffle ticket. Add-On orders will not be accepted after the original Dream Big Raffle ticket order date. Only one method of payment and only one mailing address are permitted. An individual can purchase as many Add-On tickets as they may wish. There is no limit on the maximum number of Add-On tickets that may be sold.

Can I purchase additional Add-On tickets after completing my original order?

No. All Add-On tickets must be purchased along with a Dream Big ticket. Once the order is processed in the raffle system, the order cannot be changed or added to.

Who benefits from this raffle?

The prize winners as well as Special Olympics Southern California and the athletes and communities we serve.

When does the raffle start and when does it end?

The raffle begins on February 2, 2026 and ends on May 22, 2026. If all tickets are sold before the May 22 deadline, the raffle will end sooner.

When will the prize drawings be held?

Do I have to be present to win?

No.

How will the winners be notified?

Winners will be notified by the contact information provided at the time of ticket purchase. The winning names will also be posted on socalraffle.com shortly after the drawing.

Who can buy a raffle ticket?

Anyone 18 years of age or older and a U.S. resident physically residing in the United States or Washington, DC may enter. Special Olympics Southern California employees, members of the Board of Directors, employees of their agents, consultants, attorney, our independent accounting firm, their spouses, domestic partners, and family living in the same household are excluded from participating and are not eligible to win a prize. All federal, state, local laws and regulations apply. The raffle is void where prohibited or restricted by law. An affidavit of eligibility, provided by Special Olympics Southern California, may be required from prize winners.

Are raffle tickets tax-deductible?

No. The IRS does not consider raffle tickets to be a tax-deductible contribution.

Are raffle prizes considered income?

Yes. In addition, Special Olympics Southern California will withhold required federal taxes for all prizes over $5,000 in accordance with federal law, and the organization will remit the balance of the cash prizes to the winner. All prize winners of prizes over $5,000 will be required to submit an IRS Form W-2G in order to be awarded the prize. For residents outside of California, SOSC is required to withhold and forward to the state withholding taxes for prizes over $1,500.

Are there legal rules and regulations?

Yes. They may be viewed under the Rules and Regulations section of this web site.

How do I redeem my prize?

Prize winners will be contacted according to the contact information provided at the time of ticket purchase. In addition to a list of winners posted on the Special Olympics Southern California Raffle website socalraffle.com, a list of winners may be obtained from SOSC by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: SOSC Dream Big Raffle, 1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200, Long Beach, CA 90810, within one week of the Grand Prize Drawing date.

Is there a time limit on claiming my prize?

Yes. All raffle prizes awarded in 2026 must be claimed by COB on December 31st, 2026, otherwise the winner forfeits the prize.

How do I get more information on Special Olympics Southern California?

Please visit sosc.org or call 562-502-1100.

How can I make a tax-deductible contribution to Special Olympics Southern California?

Please visit sosc.org/donate or call 562-502-1100.

Still have questions about the raffle that aren't answered here?

Please visit the Rules and Regulations section of this website or contact the raffle office: socalraffle@sosc.org