LOS ANGELES (February 14, 2012) – Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) has launched its third annual Dream House Raffle, offering a $2 million home or cash payout of $1.5 million. Capturing the glory of early Hollywood, the stately 1917 two-story Hollywood Hills residence boasts five bedrooms, four and a half baths, an expansive master suite with luxurious master bath, maid’s quarters, formal dining room, breakfast suite and wood-paneled wine cellar. Walled and gated for the utmost privacy and discretion, the Mediterranean residence features rolling grounds, lush greenery, oversized terraces, pool and spectacular Los Angeles city views. The home is located next to Lloyd Wright's Sowden House, renowned for its unique architectural style and design. Raffle tickets on sale now.

Last year, the 2011 Special Olympics Dream House raffle netted more than $800,000 for the organization. All net proceeds from the 2012 Dream House Raffle will benefit nearly 11,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Southern California, impacting Special Olympics athletes from San Diego to greater Los Angeles county (LA, OC , Inland Empire) and as far north as Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo.

“The fundraising dollars will allow SOSC to grow the organization, offering more opportunities for our athletes and the thousands more who haven’t yet experienced what Special Olympics Southern California has to offer,” said Bill Shumard, Special Olympics Southern California President & CEO. “Our athletes deserve to be given the chances that everyone else in life are given. We truly are an organization that is training for life.”

Moreover, funds raised from the 2012 Dream House Raffle ensure the continuation of life-changing programs offered at no cost to the athletes. From competition, training programs, and venue rentals to coaches, sporting equipment, transportation costs, or even meals at competitions, thousands of SOSC athletes will benefit from the campaign.

The 2011 Dream House Raffle awarded more than $1 million in cash and prizes to hundreds of winners. “The Grand Prize winner was simply stunned,” said Shumard. “I don’t think she ever thought she’d win such a substantial – and life changing – prize, but she did!”

The Hollywood Hills home was made available through an anonymous supporter. “Members of our extended community who were interested in supporting SOSC in its fundraising efforts made their house available for the raffle,” said Shumard. “We feel very fortunate that they were in a position to help our organization in this way.”
As the current economic trend continues to linger, engaging in innovative ways to fund non-profit programs are becoming a necessity to serve its community.

“Nonprofits like Special Olympics Southern California need to be more creative than ever to raise money to continue their missions. A house raffle appeals to people on many levels – it provides an opportunity to live the American dream and own a home in a desirable neighborhood where housing prices are still out of reach for the average person,” said Shumard. “However, whether the winner chooses the house or the cash payout, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Those who purchase tickets before the “early-bird” deadlines are eligible to win prizes leading up to the grand-prize drawing. From February to May, there will be a monthly drawing for additional cash prizes that range from $1,000 to $25,000. Additional prizes will be awarded during the grand prize drawing, including a 2012 Toyota vehicle. The entry deadline for early-bird drawings is February 17, March 16, and April 13, 2012.

There is also a “refer-a-friend” drawing, giving those who generate raffle ticket purchases through referrals a chance to win $15,000. The final raffle entry deadline is May 18, 2012. All contest rules and regulations, photos of the home, and a complete list of early-bird drawing dates and prize categories can be viewed online at http://www.socalraffle.com/. The grand-prize drawing will be held on June 10, 2012.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (800) 816-6108 or visit http://www.socalraffle.com/.
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