Community generosity, dedicated volunteers and local support help make annual fundraising effort a success
HANCOCK, NY — October 13, 2026 — The Hancock Rotary Club is celebrating another successful community fundraising effort following its raffle held during the 18th Annual Hancock Harvest Festival weekend, October 9–10, 2026.
Thanks to the generosity of local residents, festival visitors, Rotary members and dedicated volunteers, the raffle generated $3,020 in gross ticket sales, resulting in $1,600 raised for the Hancock Rotary Club after prize payouts and an additional donation from one of the winners.
The fundraiser was made possible through the leadership of Lori Lamica-Nelson, who coordinated the raffle from start to finish. In addition to organizing ticket sales and distribution, Lori volunteered at the raffle table throughout both days of the Harvest Festival, helping sell additional tickets and those returned by members.
Her commitment and organizational efforts played an important role in making the fundraiser a success.
Community Volunteers Make the Difference
The Hancock Rotary Club extends its sincere appreciation to the many members and volunteers who sold raffle tickets to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and community supporters.
Special thanks go to: Yolande Zahler, Town Board Member Patrick O'Brien, Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold, Jerry VanMater, Rotary President Susan Bick and Town Judge Mike O'Brien (Judge Didn't Sell Tickets), who generously gave their time to staff the raffle table throughout the festival weekend, as well as all club members such as Lori-Rae Silvers and Jill Keller who consistently sell out their tickets!
Pat O'Brien once again earned special recognition for his enthusiastic ticket-selling efforts, while Mike O'Brien helped provide signage and decorate the Rotary table, creating a welcoming presence for festival visitors.
The club also extends a heartfelt thank-you to Cindy Ray, who generously donated the printing of all raffle tickets at no cost to the organization. Her contribution helped reduce expenses and allowed more of the proceeds to benefit Rotary.
Additional appreciation goes to the Hancock Central School Class of 1976, whose members participated in the festivities by drawing the winning raffle tickets during their 50th reunion weekend.
Congratulations to the Raffle Winners!
The Hancock Rotary Club congratulates the following prize recipients:
Winner | Prize |
|---|---|
John Halloran | $700 |
Albert Zoll | $500 |
Harry Knight | $200 |
Gail Asher | $100 |
In another wonderful demonstration of community generosity, Gail Asher, the $100 prize winner and sister of Lori Rae, donated $80 of her winnings back to the Hancock Rotary Club.
Her thoughtful gesture brought the club's total fundraising proceeds to an even $1,600.
Fundraising Results
Description | Amount |
|---|---|
Gross raffle ticket sales | $3,020 |
Total raffle prizes | −$1,500 |
Net proceeds from ticket sales | $1,320 |
Additional donation from prize winner | +$80 |
Total raised for Hancock Rotary Club | $1,600 |
Rotary Club Treasurer Harry will coordinate the distribution of prize checks to the winners.
Supporting Hancock Through Service and Community Spirit
The successful raffle was another example of the community spirit that makes Hancock's annual Harvest Festival so special.
Throughout the two-day celebration, local organizations, businesses, volunteers and residents came together to support community activities, raise funds and celebrate the traditions that connect generations of Hancock families.
For the Hancock Rotary Club, the fundraiser demonstrated the importance of teamwork, volunteerism and the generosity of neighbors who continue to support local service organizations.
The $1,600 raised will help support the club's charitable and community service efforts, continuing Rotary's tradition of service and commitment to making a positive difference.
The Hancock Rotary Club extends its gratitude to everyone who purchased a ticket, sold tickets, donated services, volunteered at the festival or helped make the raffle possible.
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to the Hancock community for making this fundraiser such a success!
Hancock Rotary Club — Service Above Self.