The Trustees and the Angel Gatherers Committee of the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) are always finding ways to put the fun in fundraising. For the 2024 NCRA Conference & Expo, Foundation leaders provided three raffles: A NexGen writer donated by Stenograph, the Clutch for a Cause Gedebe evening bag provided by the Trustees, and the Angel Envy Bourbon Basket provided by the Angel Gatherers Committee. Combined, the three fundraisers netted more than $22,750, with the lion’s share of donations coming from raffle tickets for the NexGen writer.
The lucky raffle winners share their excitement and awe:
The winner of the NexGen writer knows she hit the jackpot. Robin Merker, RPR, from Stuart, Fla., had “been coveting the NexGen since I got to beta test it — but I figured why not support NCRF with all they do and just have that one-in-a-million chance. I’m still not sure I believe it, although I’m actively stalking FedEx and tracking it. Right now it’s in Fort Pierce, Fla., due here tomorrow,” she said in delightful anticipation.
“Thank you, NCRA and NCRF, for the opportunity to participate,” she said. Winning this brought back a drop of déjà vu for Merker. “Many years ago FCRA held its own raffle for the A3 Elan Mira writer, and I was present when a friend of mine won. She wasn’t there, so I got to call her and give her the news. Now I understand why she didn’t believe me the first few minutes because that’s exactly how I felt! Right now I’m contemplating names — my Lumi II is [named] Maleficent, so I have to top that!”
The NCRF Clutch for a Cause raffle had its third successful year. “I was so thrilled to win the bling clutch!” said multiple-raffle-ticket buyer and winner Heather Cofer from Brentwood, Calif. “ I love it! My mom has the best career ever. She’s always telling me about the raffle for her Foundation. Her dedication is amazing.” Cofer is the daughter of NCRF Trustee Early Langley, RMR.
Angel Envy Bourbon Basket winner NCRF Trustee Sandy Narup, RPR, from Apopka, Fla., has been enjoying her newest acquisition. “I was absolutely shocked and thrilled at the same time that I won the Angel Envy Bourbon Basket, as I came to love bourbon while in Louisville,” Narup said. “Those crystal glasses and goodies were amazing. The best part is that this phenomenal fundraiser allows us at NCRF to provide so many wonderful scholarships and grants at our doubled amounts again next year. That is the main reason why I had to try my luck for this basket.”
Raffle ticket purchases contribute to the unrestricted funds that NCRF uses for its grants and scholarships.
Learn more about Foundation fundraisers.
