Philadelphia Union successfully launched the first-ever 50/50 Raffle at PPL Park during Saturday’s match against the Seattle Sounders, earning a total jackpot of $17,230. The earnings were split evenly between the Philadelphia Union Foundation and randomly-selected winner Aleksey Gorshenin of Lansdale, Pa., who was attending his first Union game at PPL Park
“We are thrilled with the success of our opening raffle and look forward to its continued growth on game days,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & operating partner Nick Sakiewicz. “Philadelphia Union are deeply committed to providing fans with a world-class experience at PPL Park and are proud that 50/50 raffles help achieve that goal while benefitting the Philadelphia Union Foundation.”
Used by teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, the 50/50 Raffle is a fundraising contest that allows the money used to purchase raffle tickets to be evenly split between a randomly-selected winner and the participating organization. Fans at PPL Park can now purchase raffle tickets from kiosks located at three stadium gates as well as Toyota Plaza or through several handheld devices carried by Union employees. The jackpot winner and the Philadelphia Union Foundation split the earnings. Tickets are sold for three for $5, 10 for $10 or 40 for $20.
“I played [the 50/50 raffle] for fun and to support the Philadelphia Union Foundation,” said Gorshenin, who purchased 10 raffle tickets for $10. “I didn't expect anything, really – I’ve never won anything in my life. It was thrilling experience, though, realizing I had the winning ticket. It was truly a fun way to spend Saturday afternoon.”
The Philadelphia Union Foundation is a registered 501c3 in the vision of the Philadelphia Union. According to its mission statement, the Philadelphia Union Foundation “provides opportunities for children through the power of relationships to offer transformational change in the areas of education, community, health and recreation.”
Since its inception in 2012, the Philadelphia Union Foundation has teamed up with local and national organizations in various measures to benefit the City of Chester, including a playground construction, 8v8 small-sized field, local trash pickups, soccer clinics and other charity events. Additionally, the Foundation has raised over $50,000 in the past two years from the River Cup, an annual charity match at PPL Park between members of the Union’s supporter group, Sons of Ben, and the Union front office. Additionally, the PUF held their inaugural “Cocktails and Cleats” gala in March of this year, netting over $50,000 in funds raised to benefit its four Building Blocks: Life Skills Programming, Safe Fields, Good Health Through Proper Nutrition, and Playing Soccer while Having Fun.
