Thinking Outside The Camp To Raise Money

CHESTER, CT — With an imaginative new way to raise needed funds, while at the same time supporting local businesses, Camp Hazen has joined up with the Brazilian and American Youth Cultural Exchange program and created a fundraising raffle event featuring prizes that are gift certificates to a variety of downtown Chester businesses.

“It was very important to us to do something that would raise funds, but at the same time support the small businesses in town, which have always been so supportive of us over the years,” explained Denise Learner the Executive Director of Camp Hazen YMCA.

Located on 150 acres, on Cedar Lake in Chester, Camp Hazen YMCA provides positive youth camping experiences for over 1500 boys and girls annually from throughout the state. In addition, group camping outings include over 6000 participants each year.

Camp Hazen has had a long history of pairing up with BRAYCE to bring young people from communities in and around Rio de Janeiro to the camp to engage in activities, as well as be part of the leadership programs.

According to its website, BRAYCE is dedicated to honoring Human Rights, social responsibility and equal opportunity for all. "At-risk" adolescents from favelas (slum) communities in Brazil are selected to participate in life-changing opportunities at Camp Hazen.

The raffle, which will have a live stream virtual drawing on Dec, 13 at 3 p.m. is featuring $3000 worth of gift certificates, which have been purchased from 30 different Chester businesses. First place will include 24, $100 gift certificates, 2nd place will include five, $100 gift certificates and 3rd place will include one, $100 gift certificate. Increasing the odds of winning, only 2000 tickets for this raffle will be sold this year.

“These are great prizes and it’s a great way to support two local-non-profits and the Chester merchants, all at once,” said Learner, who is very enthusiastic about this original fundraising idea. “The merchants are excited, the people buying the tickets are excited and we are excited. It’s a good feeling for everyone.”

Tickets are $20 each. Winners will be notified by phone. For more information or to purchase a ticket go to, https://give.eventgroovefundraising.com/chester-chances.