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 2025 Porsche Macan Electric Plus $20k, or $100,000 cash
    • Entry Deadline: March 14, 2025
  • Early Bird Drawing 2:
    • Prize: Winner's choice between a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium, or $50,000 cash
    • Entry Deadline: April 18, 2025
  • Multi-Ticket Drawing:
    • Prize: Winner's choice between a 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive or $60,000
    • Entry Deadline: May 16, 2025
  • Add-On Drawing:
    • SOSC Dream Big Raffle participants who purchase at least one Dream Big Raffle ticket are eligible to purchase Add-On tickets in 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 14, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    • Week 2:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, March 21, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
    • Week 3:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, March 28, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
    • Week 4:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 4, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
    • Week 5:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 11, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
    • Week 6:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 18, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
    • Week 7:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, April 25, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
    • Week 8:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 2, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
    • Week 9:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 9, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
    • Week 10:
      Purchase Deadline:
      Friday, May 16, 2025
      Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
    • 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 received by the close of business the Friday before each drawing date. 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 Praslin, Seychelles (7 Days/6 Nights) or $10,000
  • 3rd Prize: Vacation to Lake Como and Milan, Italy (6 Days/5 Nights) or $10,000
  • 4th Prize: Vacation to Nice, France (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 5th Prize: Vacation to British Columbia, Canada (airfare included) (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • 6th Prize: Vacation to New Orleans, Louisiana (airfare included) (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • 7th Prize: Vacation to Monte Carlo, Monaco (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 8th Prize: Vacation to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (5 Days/4 Nights) or $5,000
  • 9th Prize: Vacation to Lisbon, Portugal (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • 10th Prize: Vacation to Singapore (6 Days/5 Nights) or $5,000
  • Prizes 11-2,000 are Gift Cards. Winners will have their choice of Gift Card, from these select retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Darden Restaurants, Home Depot, Spa & Wellness by Spa Week, Target, or a Visa Prepaid card.

    Prizes 2,001-2,800 are physical prizes as described below.

  • Prizes 2,001-2,800:
    • 10 $1,000 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 20 $500 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 30 $250 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 50 $200 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 100 $150 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 150 $100 Gift Cards – Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 1630 $50 Gift Cards Winners choice from preselected retailers
    • 2 Samsung® 43" The Frame QLED 4K UHD Smart TV
    • 5 Samsung® Q-Series 5.1.2ch Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar w/ Subwoofer Pocket
    • 8 TCL® 50" S Class 4K UHD LED Smart TV w/ Google TV
    • 10 Samsung® The Music Frame Bluetooth & Wireless Speaker
    • 50 GreenPan® Elite 6qt Essential Smart Skillet Stainless Steel
    • 45 Eufy® RoboVac G40 Wi-Fi Connected Robotic Vacuum
    • 25 Mammoth® Coolers Tropic 30 Backpack Cooler Light Gray/Gray
    • 25 NuWave® Pro Toaster Oven & Air Fryer
    • 50 BISSELL® Pet Hair Eraser Slim Corded Stick Vacuum
    • 100 JBL® Tune 670NC ANC On Ear Headphones Blue
    • 40 IQ Sound® 8" Portable Bluetooth Speaker w/ TWS Carafe
    • 45 Bagsmart® Odyssey 20 Inch Airline Approved Hard side Spinner Suitcase
    • 75 JBL® Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker w/ Carabiner Blue
    • 100 Samsonite® Andante Travel Backpack
    • 130 Pampa Bay® Entertaining Set - 3pc
    • 35 Pure Enrichment® PureSpa Natural Essential Oil Diffuser Natural
    • 55 Ihome® PowerPlant Plant Charging Station w/ Multiple Charging Ports

    Entry Deadline: May 16, 2025

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 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. 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 2024 raffle the minimum number of tickets sold threshold has never been met. For the 2025 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 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 14, 2025, will be entered into Early Bird Drawing 1. The drawing will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Prize: Winner's choice between a 2025 Porsche Macan Electric Plus $20k, or $100,000 cash

Can you tell me more about Early Bird Drawing 2?

All tickets purchased by April 18, 2025, will be entered into Early Bird Drawing 2. The drawing will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Prize: Winner's choice between a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium, 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 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive 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 14, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  • Week 2:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, March 21, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Week 3:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, March 28, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Week 4:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 4, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Week 5:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 11, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
  • Week 6:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 18, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • Week 7:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, April 25, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
  • Week 8:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 2, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
  • Week 9:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 9, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
  • Week 10:
    Purchase Deadline:
    Friday, May 16, 2025
    Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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 received by the Friday before each drawing date. 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 communities we serve.

When does the raffle start and when does it end?

The raffle begins on February 10, 2025 and ends on May 16, 2025. If all tickets are sold before the May 16 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 this website shortly after the drawing.

Who can buy a raffle ticket?

Any person 18 years of age or older. Employees and members of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Southern California, employees of their agents, consultants, attorney, independent accountant firm, their spouses, domestic partners, and children 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 allow 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 web site, 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 2025 must be claimed by COB on December 31st, 2025, 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/ 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