It’s Time for RISE Raffle!

By S. C. Samoy, RISE Director of Communications & Operations

Every year, RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity) runs a raffle to raise money for three of its programs: Shore Corps, Living Classroom, and Environmentor.

Each one has provided and continues to give high school students, middle school students, and elementary school students fun, educational experiences right here on our beloved peninsula.

And consistent supporters, who believe in the work that we do, are JetBlue, Kennedy’s, Skudin Surf, and Vino By the Sea. The airline is contributing two round-trip travel certificates; the restaurant is offering a $100 gift card; the surf school is donating one week of surf camp; and the wine store is giving an owner-selected bottle of wine and $100 gift card.

Based on a community member’s input last year, RISE is hoping to cast a wider net and get more residents’ and visitors’ participation by reducing the raffle cost from $100 per chance to $25 per chance. However, for a Benjamin Franklin, you will get five chances!

Go to riserockaway.org, click on DONATE, and give you and our youth chances to be winners! The drawing will be on Friday, April 10, 2026.