Great Team Work + Great Prize = Successful Fundraiser

Only one lucky person, Richard O'Brien, won the Super Bowl Raffle but Mercy Center and all her participants came away winners. The 39 active sellers sold a record 445 chances, an increase of 98 over last year's. As chair, I want to thank each and every one of you for making extraordinary efforts to reach out to so many friends, family members, colleagues, and football fans.

Kudos to Margaret Keegan: Margaret received the MVP Trophy for selling the most tickets. She sold 40 this year. Margaret has won this award for the past two years and is most humble and modest in receiving any attention. She cares deeply about Mercy Center and works tirelessly for us throughout the year. Pat Mescall received the Lombardy Trophy for selling the winning ticket. Pat has volunteered at Mercy Center as an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language) for many years and is an active member of our Annual Auction Committee. Richard had purchased Super Bowl raffles from Pat over the past years and has attended our Auction.

Tim O'Connor won the Playmaker Award for the most improved seller. He increased his sales from 20 in 2010 to 38 this year. He gave Margaret quite a bit of competition right up to the finish line. Bill Supik joined the Super Bowl raffle team as a rookie this year. He sold 21 individual tickets and won the Rookie of the Year Award.

Helmets off to the 19 team members who scored victories by joining the First Down Club (listed on right). They each sold at least 10 tickets.

I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. Your efforts on this Mercy Center fundraiser will garner $44,500 for our participants and their families.

Your work will provide us with needed funds to insure that this year's Thanksgiving Pantry will be overflowing with all the foods necessary to provide participants with a wonderful meal. These funds will also insure that Mercy Center continues to serve the residents of Mott Haven with incredible programs and support.

And just a gentle reminder that the Annual Auction will take place in just over five months, Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the New York Botanical Garden. Make sure to save this date on your calendar.