Raymond Moss of Westfield, MA, wins rotary motorcyle raffle

LACONIA — “Unprecedented,” captures this year’s 29th annual Charity Motorcycle Raffle Fundraiser, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Laconia. Touting our message, “only 3,000 tickets are sold,” to multitudes of faithful motorcycle raffle ticket buyers during Laconia Motorcycle Week, has notably encouraged sales over the years. Repeat customers who waited to purchase their tickets, were surprised to hear we had sold out Thursday morning during the rally — a Club FIRST! Laconia Rotarians continued to volunteer at the booth from Thursday afternoon through Sunday to meet loyal tickets buyers with a smile and an encouraging prompt to buy their tickets early in 2022.

Rewind 16 and a half weeks prior to the rally when Laconia Rotary Club purchased the 2021 Billiard Red Street Glide at Laconia Harley Davidson. This too was unprecedented, and Rotarians were nervous to make such a large purchase because this was the first time Harley-Davidson Motor Company delayed new model releases until after the start of the new year. Typically, the club purchases the bike in the early fall, allowing much more time to sell tickets at local fairs and motorcycle events throughout New England. The 2021 COVID climate challenged the club’s ability to attend and sell tickets at large events; leading the club to enact on building a stronger online sales force. A modest group of Rotarians led the charge, launching online raffle sales on April 1st. Close to half of the tickets sold in 2021 were online, including this year’s winning ticket sold to Raymond Moss of Westfield, MA. Raymond purchased his ticket in April and though he had every intention of attending the rally, he wasn’t able to make the trip. When Laconia Rotarians reached out to Raymond with the good news, he responded, “I am speechless, I don’t know what to say, this kind of thing never happens to me!”

Proceeds of the Laconia Rotary motorcycle raffle are used to directly support local nonprofit organizations and community campaigns. Such a surprisingly successful year could not have happened without the help of many. Our Rotary Club of Laconia extends deepest gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, Bank of New Hampshire, and our partners Watermark Marine, Greg Paige of Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association, and Mark Hildebrand of Hilde’s Lumber. Laconia Rotary’s financial support of local scholarships and to many area organizations throughout the community would not have been possible without the support of the Laconia City Council, City Manager and Laconia Mayor. We thank each of you for your support of Laconia Motorcycle Week.