Popular Post Ed Mack Posted December 21, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted December 21, 2016 Hello LEGO fans...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It's that time of year again. Time to raise money for my son Max's school, St. Paul School, in Burlington, NJ. After a very...VERY...successful first BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE in which we raised over $62,000.00 for the school, a year has passed, and it’s time to raffle off some dynamic LEGO gifts for charity. The money we raised last year literally kept the school open...which is a great thing. It's a special school that once again was voted BEST Private School in Burlington County, NJ, by The Burlington County Times, along with numerous other awards, such as: CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE 2017 BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE FOR ST. PAUL SCHOOL! Best Private School Best PreK-Nursery School Best Teacher Best Fundraiser Best Music Instruction Best Tutor Service (Junior National Honor Society) As I stated last year, St.Paul School (SPS) and its community are wonderful. People from all races and religions attend St. Paul School. Besides excelling in educating the children, the school does a tremendous amount of charity for local people in need. From food drives to helping out at local retirement homes, the children of St.Paul School are required to perform “service hours” that are designed to teach generosity, altruism and instill a hard-working, disciplined attitude. Excellence is expected and permeates through St. Paul School and the faculty and student body, so does a sense of goodness and frugalness. We make a little money go a long way. For example: All grade levels (Pre – K through 4) are scheduled for “Specials” each week...such as art, music, library, computers, and physical education St.Paul School is nationally accredited by “AdvancED” (the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement – NCA – CASI. SPS middle-school students have three periods of Spanish and are testing into Spanish II for High School. SPS provides more periods of physical education each week than is required by the State. SPS provides multiple extracurricular activities such as: LEGO Robotics Club, Science Club, Vocal Choir, Rosary Group, Tonal Chimes, Hand Bell Choir, Crafty Kids Club, Basketball (Boys/Girls), Indoor Soccer, Cheerleading, Yearbook Club, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Student Council, MATHCounts, STREAM (Science Technology Religion Engineering Art Math, Activity Tutorial Period (ATP for 5th-8th grades) But all is not wonderful though. As many of you know, many Catholic schools have a hard time making ends meet. Enrollments are down due to weak economic conditions throughout the world. Even superb schools like St. Paul School have a hard time keeping the doors open. While we did pick up 25 new students this past year to ease the financial burden, we will still be way short of breaking even; thus the need for the 2017 BrickPicker LEGO Raffle 2.0. This year’s version of the LEGO raffle will start with TEN awesome prizes.These include: PRIZE #1 BRICKPICKER MEMBER RAFFLE LOT: 21301 Birds (Salimr) Comic Con Throne of Ultron (echin313) Comic Con Dagobah Mini-Build (echin313) A mint 7144 Slave I (echin313) A mint 8001 Battle Droid (echin313) 10218 Pet Shop (exciter1) Rio Olympic Mascots set (Emvisawthatswho) 70816 Benny's Spaceship (Brickcrazyhouse) A special custom LEGO snow globe (Flanagan Bros Inc) PRIZE #2 BRICKPICKER MYSTERY RAFFLE LOT (OVER 5000 PIECES): A bundle of quality LEGO sets from multiple themes that will far exceed 5000 pieces! PRIZE #3: 10220 - VW Camper T1 Van 42056 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS PRIZE #4: 10227 - UCS B-Wing 75060 - UCS Slave I PRIZE #5: 10221 - UCS Super Star Destroyer PRIZE #6: $500 Amazon Gift Certificate PRIZE #7: 75159 - UCS Death Star OR 10188 Death Star PRIZE #8 CHOICE OF: 75827 - Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters OR 71040 - Disney Castle PRIZE #9 CHOICE OF: 10225 - UCS R2-D2 OR 10197 - Fire Brigade OR 10228 - Haunted House OR 10211 - Grand Emporium PRIZE #10: 10255 - Assembly Square 10251 - Brick Bank This year’s total prize value exceeds last year’s total by over $1000.00. Last year we had 11 raffle prizes and winners from around the world. From Vancouver, Canada to Reno, Nevada to Miami Beach, Florida to the Isle of Man, United Kingdom and everywhere in between, generous raffle participants were rewarded with awesome LEGO prizes. The 2017 BrickPicker LEGO Raffle 2.0 can be found here on the secure Rally.up.com site: CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE 2017 BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE FOR ST. PAUL SCHOOL! Like last year, we will ship the prizes to anywhere across the globe. If there is an issue with shipping or prizes, a comparable prize and/or shipping method will be arranged with the winner. Last year, the LEGO BrickPicker Raffle worked very well. The Rallyup.com site is a first class, secure site that made this all possible. They also issued the school a big fat check. All raffle proceeds and donations benefit the school directly by bridging the gap between what tuition covers and actual educational costs. It also raises money to upgrade the school’s technology, keeping St. Paul School ahead of the academic curve with a dynamic curriculum. The prizes have been donated by Jeff and I, the St.Paul School PTA and by some very generous BrickPicker members. I am hoping, like last year, that more people will donate sets after the raffle begins. It was fun adding to the prizes last year. You never know what can pop up as a prize! On a personal note, I would like to thank every person who donated sets/money and/or bought tickets to last year’s LEGO BrickPicker Raffle. It saved a wonderful school and kept dozens of people employed and 175 kids with their friends and teachers. I don’t like asking, but will anyway...please help out again this year. Even buying one ticket can help and it gives you a chance to win some great prizes. Watching the raffle ticket total rise every day was an intense rush and extremely gratifying experience. It made me so proud to have started this site with my brother Jeff and made me realize there is still good in this world… The contest will end on February 7, 2017 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be notified by Rallyup.com. If you are a winner, please contact me on the site so we can confirm the prizes and shipping addresses. The Rallyup.com site works very well and is secure, so please feel confident in donating to the school and purchasing raffle tickets. All the money goes to St. Paul School, which is a 501(c)(3), and to Rallyup.com for running the raffle. I will make every effort to supply the winners with the appropriate prizes. If there are shipping issues, inventory issues or potential problems beyond my control, I will make sure the winners are awarded LEGO sets/gift cards comparable to the original prizes. Any questions, ideas or concerns, please reply below or PM Jeff or me... TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL: February 07, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST DRAWING DATE: February 08, 2017 at 12:00 PM EST Thanks again! Ed Mack View full blog article 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 We just hit $1000.00. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadrake Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that there are no troubles with Tribbles ... eh .. with Creditcards for foreign donators this year. So I did not have to bother Ed to help me and used the chance right now to contribute. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Migration Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Bought some tickets, in the interest of saving time you could go ahead and send me my SSD now, that way I can get started building it 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodeogeorge Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Bought some tickets, in the interest of saving time you could go ahead and send me my SSD now, that way I can get started building it Nice choice of package. Also, I noticed the fine folks over at Brickset dropped a plug for the raffle. $10,000 here we come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 It just went live on Brickset....Thanks Huw and all the crew! http://brickset.com/article/25796/brickpicker-raffle-fundraiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickleboy Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 I'm not gonna lie, my side hobby of collecting legos took a major hit when I was banned by Lego last year (I just started buying sets again this past holiday) I haven't been here much since I was banned, but I came here specifically to see if the raffle was being done again this year. Gave a little to help get the totals going and hope to give more, closer to the end. Nice work Mack brothers. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 4, 2017 Author Share Posted January 4, 2017 I'm not gonna lie, my side hobby of collecting legos took a major hit when I was banned by Lego last year (I just started buying sets again this past holiday) I haven't been here much since I was banned, but I came here specifically to see if the raffle was being done again this year. Gave a little to help get the totals going and hope to give more, closer to the end. Nice work Mack brothers. Missed your sweet and sour humor Pickleboy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quacs Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 In for 5... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summit Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 On 1/2/2017 at 4:38 PM, Ed Mack said: The raffle is starting off a little slow this year, but I have faith in our members. I have faith in that they procrastinate to the very end. I am in!!! Just purchased my tickets today. Challenge everyone else to purchase ten tickets Paul 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flanagan Bros Inc Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Hey Ed! I'd just like to clarify that the snowglobe is NOT the one in the photo. I'm working on finishing the others up. Things have been busy since I've been preparing for nursing school, which starts next week. I'm thinking of sending out a Hoth themed one, if you want to put that in the description (though it will depend on what looks better when they're finished.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 4, 2017 Author Share Posted January 4, 2017 1 hour ago, Flanagan Bros Inc said: Hey Ed! I'd just like to clarify that the snowglobe is NOT the one in the photo. I'm working on finishing the others up. Things have been busy since I've been preparing for nursing school, which starts next week. I'm thinking of sending out a Hoth themed one, if you want to put that in the description (though it will depend on what looks better when they're finished.) It's all good. I'm sure whatever you produce will look great and will be appreciated. 2 hours ago, Summit said: I am in!!! Just purchased my tickets today. Challenge everyone else to purchase ten tickets Paul I'm thinking about a bonus raffle for everyone who buys $100.00 worth of tickets. More on this later! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrickLegacy Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 I'm thinking about a bonus raffle for everyone who buys $100.00 worth of tickets. More on this later!I'm listening... cough, 10179, cough, cough .... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaisonline Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Don't forget about my original post below from last Sept. in the former raffle topic. For each "like" the specific post BELOW gets, I'll put $1 toward the raffle. No limit. It ends 1/27 at 11:59pm. The current count is up to $60. We can do better. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaisonline Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Last year, I was able to get 107 likes (before @exciter1 made getting "liked" cool). Lets break that this yr. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatpoppa Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Until you eventually charge for the site this will act as the surrogate fee. Thx again for all you do to make this hobby fun for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Author Share Posted January 5, 2017 6 hours ago, BrickLegacy said: I'm listening... cough, 10179, cough, cough .... It will be something good...maybe not that good. 2 hours ago, beatpoppa said: Until you eventually charge for the site this will act as the surrogate fee. Thx again for all you do to make this hobby fun for me. Sounds like a plan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summit Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 18 hours ago, Ed Mack said: It's all good. I'm sure whatever you produce will look great and will be appreciated. I'm thinking about a bonus raffle for everyone who buys $100.00 worth of tickets. More on this later! Great idea. I would be willing to contribute a NISB set to that Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirborneAFOL Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 After about a year of lurking, this raffle last year led me to actually create a BP account (and subsequently become a moderately active contributor). I bought around 10 tickets last year and look forward to doing the same this year - though perhaps a little closer to the end this time, since the Lots seem to grow a bit over the course of the month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Author Share Posted January 5, 2017 2 hours ago, Summit said: Great idea. I would be willing to contribute a NISB set to that Paul I will come up with a substantial set(s) to raffle off to people who bought $100.00 worth of tickets. I will announce that shortly. As of right now, the Mystery Lot is over 6000 pieces and $700 in value...Certainly worthy of a ticket or two. Any sets donated could help sweeten the pot to entice people and would be greatly appreciated. I cold add any extra sets to the BrickPicker Member Lot or even add them to other comparable raffle prizes. I even added a few last year with the help of members generosity. 53 minutes ago, AirborneAFOL said: After about a year of lurking, this raffle last year led me to actually create a BP account (and subsequently become a moderately active contributor). I bought around 10 tickets last year and look forward to doing the same this year - though perhaps a little closer to the end this time, since the Lots seem to grow a bit over the course of the month Yes, I am hoping there will be a late rush again this year. Last year was intense and a whole lotta fun for the site, for me and Jeff...but most of all, the families and faculty of St. Paul School. They were tuned in and watching those numbers skyrocket daily. It was addictive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leopard Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 16 minutes ago, Ed Mack said: I will come up with a substantial set(s) to raffle off to people who bought $100.00 worth of tickets. I will announce that shortly. As of right now, the Mystery Lot is over 6000 pieces and $700 in value...Certainly worthy of a ticket or two. Any sets donated could help sweeten the pot to entice people and would be greatly appreciated. I cold add any extra sets to the BrickPicker Member Lot or even add them to other comparable raffle prizes. I even added a few last year with the help of members generosity. Yes, I am hoping there will be a late rush again this year. Last year was intense and a whole lotta fun for the site, for me and Jeff...but most of all, the families and faculty of St. Paul School. They were tuned in and watching those numbers skyrocket daily. It was addictive. Are you guys considering doing some kind of video conference this year (whether it's Skype or some other software) where the members tuned in live to watch you guys talk about the charity, the raffle winners being pulled, seeing the kids etc..? I know it's definitely not easy to do but that would be something cool to consider especially if it's live, people will be enticed to be donating even more lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Author Share Posted January 5, 2017 6 minutes ago, Leopard said: Are you guys considering doing some kind of video conference this year (whether it's Skype or some other software) where the members tuned in live to watch you guys talk about the charity, the raffle winners being pulled, seeing the kids etc..? I know it's definitely not easy to do but that would be something cool to consider especially if it's live, people will be enticed to be donating even more lol I haven't thought of it, but it might be worth considering. It actually might be a really good idea. Raffle winners are automatically picked and announced by Rallyup.com at 12:00 AM on February 1, 2017. I wanted to make sure that people did not think we "rigged" the raffle. What we could do is some sort of "Final Raffle Night Party." Unfortunately, it is a Tuesday night, but this idea intrigues me, especially if we could make it live and we could have kids and faculty there. It might be possible to extend the raffle to the following Saturday night for example if the school and parents were interested in this. I would appreciate some feedback on this. Maybe if someone has experience with live broadcast and would be willing to help out. I will ask Jeff as well for his feedback. Thanks for the interesting idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 we can always change the winning time to like 8pm or something when people will be around to watch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrickLegacy Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 Google Hangouts or YouTube live should work for a live stream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Author Share Posted January 5, 2017 1 minute ago, BrickLegacy said: Google Hangouts or YouTube live should work for a live stream. Thanks. Jeff just mentioned Facebook as well. I could be like Jerry Lewis and his Labor Day Telethon for MDA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Mack Posted January 5, 2017 Author Share Posted January 5, 2017 Before I ask the school about this, I would like to hear some feedback on it. Do you think it would help? Would people tune in to see some kids and me and Jeff beg for money? LOL. I have no idea if this would be allowed, but I am willing to try if there is enough interest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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