Lions Club raffle winner gets choice in cars

The Lions Club Fourth of July Barbecue is the first day of ticket sales for the club's eighth annual car raffle, with more options in store for the lucky winner than ever before.

While past winners received a Ford Focus, the 2011 prizewinner will have a choice of three options from Mountain View Auto Row, including a Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo or Nissan Versa.

"They can also trade up for a different car or truck, or if they don't want the car, they can take the cash value of the car," said Signal Mountain Lion Jerry Pala.

A $50 donation is requested for tickets, of which 600 are available and can be purchased through any club member or at Signal Mountain Pharmacy. Lions will also be selling tickets at Pruett's and Ace Hardware every Saturday in July and August from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The winner will be announced at the club's Labor Day Barbecue Sept. 5.

Pala said 2011 is the club's second year working with Mountain View, which is now providing a wider selection for winners after adding Chevrolet and Nissan to the dealership.

Since Mountain View allows the club to purchase the car at a discounted rate, the club is able to funnel more of the money it raises back into the community.

"[Mountain View] is a big supporter of Lion activities," said Pala.

The $13,000 to $14,000 typically raised through the raffle goes to support programs including the club's scholarship fund for Signal Mountain residents and the Hamilton County Lions Sight Service Program, which helps underprivleged individuals to afford eye surgery or glasses.

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