We’re thrilled to announce that the lucky winner of the Run the Verde Raffle is Patrick Reider of Sedona, AZ! Patrick, get ready to embark on epic kayaking adventures on the Verde.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the Verde River preservation mission. Your contributions make a real impact.

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Welcome to the 3rd Annual Run the Verde Raffle! This exciting online raffle will run from July 31 to September 30, 2023, with all proceeds directed towards supporting a healthy and flowing Verde River ecosystem.

Prizes that Make Waves!

Participate in the Run the Verde Raffle for a chance to win fabulous prizes generously donated by sponsors who share our vision for a sustainable river system. You could be the lucky winner of this complete kayaking package!

One lucky winner will get:

Tomcat Solo Inflatable Kayak, Lime Green – $919 value
Body Glove Adult Unisex PFD, Life Jacket and Vest, Large, Black – $65 value
Ozark Trail Sunset Premium Kayak Paddle with Fiberglass Blades, 87 inch – $52 value
Alpacka Raft gift card – $250 value
20th Anniversary T-Shirt – Men’s Medium / Magenta – $30 value
20th Anniversary T-Shirt – Women’s Small / Purple – $30 value
Purdy Verde Kayak Seat
Friends of the Verde River Tote Bag

Together, the retail value of the raffle items is over $1,300!

Making a Difference for the Verde River

By participating in the raffle, you actively contribute to our critical mission of habitat restoration, river flow sustainability, and fostering supportive communities. As one of the last free-flowing rivers in Arizona, the Verde River holds immense ecological significance and is vital for the entire region and the state. Your support will help keep the river clean and flowing, enhance habitat for wildlife, and strengthen connections between communities and the precious Verde River.

Join Us on Verde River Day

The highlight of the Run the Verde Raffle will be on September 30, 2023, during the much-anticipated Verde River Day celebration. Join us at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where we’ll be selling raffle tickets amidst exciting activities like organized canoe and kayak rides, sandcastle building, a climbing wall, and more. Verde River Day, hosted by Dead Horse Ranch State Park in collaboration with the Greater Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce and supported by nonprofits and corporations across the state, celebrates the profound connection between the community and the Verde River—an invaluable lifeline in Arizona’s arid natural landscape.

Make a Splash for Conservation

Support a thriving Verde River system by participating in the Run the Verde Raffle! Your involvement makes a significant impact on preserving this precious natural resource and ensures a sustainable future for the region.

Ready to Enter?

You can purchase a single raffle ticket or multiple tickets at a discounted rate. Ticket costs are

1 ticket for $35
2-3 tickets for $30/each
4 or more tickets for $25/each

Purchase Tickets

Don’t miss this opportunity to win amazing prizes and contribute to a flourishing Verde River system! Thank you for your support!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Alpacka Raft donated the $250 gift card and t-shirts. Verde Adventures donated the kayak. Thank you both for your generosity and support!

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Run the Verde River Raffle benefits programs of Friends of the Verde River.

#1. Entry purchases must be made in the state of Arizona and purchasers must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets will only be sold online via Friends. Tickets can be purchased here.

#2. Tickets will be sold beginning Monday, July 31, 2023, and will be sold through September 30, 2023. Tickets will be sold at three price points: 1 ticket for $35.00 each, 2 tickets for $60.00, and 4 tickets for $100.00. After 5 tickets are purchased, any additional tickets purchased will cost $25.00.

#3. All tickets purchased will be paired with the purchaser’s name. Once ticket sales are closed, the list of names will be exported into an excel spreadsheet which will show the purchaser’s name the amount of times equal to the number of tickets purchased. At that point, each entry will be paired with a number. Friends of the Verde River will utilize a random number generator and then pair the selected number with the name it is attached to on the spreadsheet. Ticket sales will close on September 30, 2023, at 11:59pm. The winners of all packages will be announced on October 3, 2023.

#4. The prizes cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash. The winner will be contacted directly by Friends of the Verde River via phone and email and raffle items will be available for pickup at Friends of the Verde River at 115 S. Main St. Suite B, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, based on scheduling and availability. Delivery may be available for local winners, depending on location and must be within the Verde Valley. The winners have 60 days to claim their prize. If not claimed in 60 days, or by December 4, 2023, the prize is forfeited and will be reverted back to Friends of the Verde River.

#5. Taxes and IRS Rules. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Verde River, a non-profit organization operating under paragraph 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the laws of the State of Arizona. Winner shall be responsible for any applicable federal, state, and local taxes. The IRS has taken the position that amounts paid for chances to participate in raffles, lotteries or similar programs are not gifts and, therefore, the price of the entry does not qualify as a deductible charitable contribution or donation for income tax purposes. This information does not constitute tax planning advice; consult your tax advisor for more information.