If you haven’t won the lottery yet, try the Kiwanis BKG Raffle, named for the late Bruce Goodman, an Evanston businessman, 56-year member of Kiwanis and a founding member of First Bank & Trust, now Byline Bank.
The raffle raised $13,000 last year, which was distributed to some 30 organizations in Evanston, serving youth and children. Kiwanis, which observed its 100th year in Evanston last year, stated motto is, To Serve the Children of the World, and they have, from preschoolers to high school students in the form of grants, scholarships and other support.
The success of the raffle helps undewrite those grants. According to Jim Wolinksi, president of Evanston Kiwanis, “We constantly strive to support those organizations which give kids a chance to be better students and community participants. The raffle makes that possible.”
To purchase raffle tickets, go to the Kiwanis Club of Evanston Facebook page. Top cash prize in the raffle is a minimum of $500. Cash prizes are also awarded to second and third place winners, as well as several prizes from Evanston businesses.