Dinner Anywhere in the World Raffle
Raffle Details
In keeping with our auction theme of “Around the World”, our Auction Team is excited to offer our members and friends an opportunity that could significantly boost revenue to support the Church’s mission and its ongoing programs through a raffle with a fabulous Grand Prize worth up to $5,000.
The winner will choose either:
One dinner for two anywhere in the world (including airfare for two and two nights lodging), or
Two dinners for two anywhere in the continental US, airfare for two, and four nights lodging.
Raffle tickets cost $20 each and go on sale December 21. No more than 1000 tickets will be sold. There is no limit on how many tickets an individual may buy and the buyer does NOT need to be a member or friend of the Church.
Ticket sales will commence December 21 and run through March 1 when we will draw the winner at our annual Chili Kick-Off. You can purchase tickets via credit card, check, or cash.
Proceeds from the raffle not used to pay for the Grand Prize will support our congregation as we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive community that promotes justice and brings more love and light into the world.
If fewer than 400 tickets are sold, the raffle will be terminated, there will be no drawing, and ticket revenues will be refunded.
Review the full terms and conditions here.
Review the Buyer’s Frequently Asked Questions here. (These are also shared below)
If you are church member who is interested in selling raffle tickets to other, review the Seller’s Frequently Asked Questions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my chances of winning? How many tickets will be sold?
A maximum of 1000 tickets will be sold — chances of winning are much higher than the lottery or most raffles of this kind.
Can I buy a raffle ticket for a friend or family member?
Yes, you can — in fact, we hope you’ll gift tickets to all your loved ones! Tickets may be purchased by cash, check, credit card.
You can also send this information directly to friends and family for them to buy tickets themselves. You do NOT need to be a member of the Unitarian Church in Charleston to buy a ticket. The only requirement is that you be 21 years or older.
Why is the Church doing this Raffle?
The Dinner for Two Raffle supports the Church’s Mission to support individual spiritual journeys and to promote social, economic and environmental justice.
Can I really have dinner ANYWHERE in the world?
The travel agency we are working with will do their very best to make your dream dinner a reality. The prize dollar amount is intended to cover your travel and accommodations as well as the meal. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.
Is it only dinner for TWO? What if I want to take my whole family?
You can take as many people as you want, as long as the expenses fit within the prize dollar amount or you are willing to pay the excess cost. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.
When do I need to use my prize?
You must use your prize in full before December 31, 2026. All travel arrangements must be made by October 1 to allow time for the church and travel agent to make payments and prepare appropriately.
What expenses are not covered?
If you choose to upgrade to a higher class of service or stay longer, or if you add any other passengers or incur other expenses for entertainment, you will be responsible for those costs. Also, alcohol is not covered, nor are “bush flights” nor ground transportation, travel insurance or charges associated with changes in travel plans or cancellation penalties. Travel, hotel and dinner expenses are limited to $5,000, and any excess is your responsibility.
What is the Prize dollar amount?
The Prize grants the winner travel and accommodations (and dinner!) up to $5000. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.
When & where is the drawing?
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Church on March 1 2026, at the Pledge Drive Chili-Cookoff. You do not need to be present to win.
Will the winnings be taxed?
The value of the Prize will be deemed to be income by the IRS, and taxes resulting from this income reported to Federal and State taxing authorities will be the responsibility of the Winner. Please see the Terms and Conditions for more information on the Winner’s tax liability.
Is there a minimum number of tickets which must be sold for the raffle to occur?
Yes. If fewer than 400 tickets are sold by the date set for the drawing, we will terminate the raffle and not draw the raffle, and any purchased tickets will be refunded through the same channels as payment for the tickets.
Who will be helping plan this travel?
All travel arrangements must be made directly through Myron Pstrak, Expedia Cruises, mpstrak@expediacruises.com, (843) 693-9279 www.expediacruises.com/MyronPstrak by October 1, 2026. At least $3,000 must be expensed on travel. Our chosen agent is familiar with this sort of raffle.
I prefer to make my own reservations; can't you just give me the $5,000?
Unfortunately, not. Government rules do not permit us to award cash prizes. Therefore, the Church or its representatives must make the reservations and pay the vendors directly. We will work with you to try and accommodate your preferences. Dinner expenses, less alcohol, will be reimbursed by the Church upon submission of an itemized receipt and reimbursement request made in sufficient detail, subject to the $5,000 aggregate expense limitation. Reimbursement must be requested within 30 days.
Can my international round-trip flights originate in another country than the United States?
Yes, the flights can originate from anywhere in the world.
Can my 2 round-trip tickets originate from separate cities in the United States to the same destination?
Yes, the flights can be from two different cities.
What happens if where I want to go and stay costs more than $5,000?
The good news is that we can pay up to $5,000 and you would just have to pay the remainder.
Can a winning ticket be transferred to someone else? For example, I’ll buy tickets in my own name, but if I win, I’d probably give it to some deserving adult friend or relative.
Yes, you can transfer the prize to anyone 18 years or older.
Can a ticket be purchased in the name of someone (grandkids!) who are 18, or do they need to be 21 (or some other age)?
The purchaser must be 21 years or older (name on the ticket), but the prize can be assigned to someone else who is 18 years or older.
