Stuart Highlanders New England - Competitive Pipe Band

Raffle Rules

Buy your raffle tickets to win an amazing $5000 cash prize!

Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc. Raffle Official Rules

These rules govern the conduct of the Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc. raffle. By purchasing a ticket, participants agree to be bound by these rules and by the decisions of Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc., which are final and binding.

1. Organization and Purpose

  • Sponsor: This raffle is sponsored by Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit charitable organization.
  • Purpose: All proceeds will be used for the Band’s stated charitable and educational purposes.

2. Eligibility

  • Age and Residency: Tickets may only be purchased by individuals who are at least 18 years old and who reside in the United States at the time of purchase and drawing.
  • Compliance: Purchasers must also satisfy any additional eligibility requirements imposed by Massachusetts law or the raffle permit.

3. Ticket Sales

  • Quantity: Up to 5,000 tickets will be offered for sale, at $10 per ticket (no limit on tickets per person).
  • Schedule: Ticket sales will open on November 30, 2025 and close on April 11, 2026.
  • Issuance: Tickets will be sequentially numbered; each purchaser will receive a receipt or confirmation of their ticket number(s).
  • Finality: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation (see Section 8).
  • Right to Cancel/Limit: Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc. reserves the right to sell fewer than 5,000 tickets or to cancel the raffle at any time.

4. Odds of Winning

  • Determination: The odds of winning depend on the total number of valid tickets sold.
  • Example: If all 5,000 tickets are sold and one prize is awarded, each ticket has a 1 in 5,000 chance of winning. If fewer tickets are sold, the odds improve proportionally.
  • Disclaimer: No odds guarantee is made; actual odds depend on final sales.

5. Drawing and Winner Notification

  • Drawing Date: The raffle drawing will be held on or within 5 days of April 11, 2026 as indicated in the raffle permit.
  • Procedure: One ticket (or one set of tickets) will be drawn at random from all valid ticket stubs. The drawing will be conducted publicly under supervision.
  • Presence: The winner need not be present to win.
  • Notification: The winner’s name and ticket number will be posted on the Stuart Highland Pipe Band Facebook social media and/or announced at the event. The Sponsor will also attempt to notify the winner directly by phone, email, or mail.

6. Prize Details

  • Description: The prize is one $5,000 cash prize.
  • Condition: The prize will be awarded “as is” without warranty from the Sponsor. The Sponsor’s sole obligation is to award the stated prize; no additional compensation will be provided.

7. Claiming the Prize, Taxes, and Reporting

  • Claim Period: The winner must claim the prize by providing valid identification and proof of residency within 30 days of notification.
  • Requirements: The winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and/or IRS tax form (such as Form W-2G).
  • Forfeiture: If the winner fails to comply with these requirements within the time limit, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected.
  • Taxes: The winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes and fees arising from the prize.
  • Tax Reporting: The Sponsor will issue an IRS Form W-2G for any prize as required by law. The price paid for a raffle ticket is not tax-deductible as a charitable donation, and any prize is considered taxable income. Massachusetts may require all winners, including non-residents, to file a Massachusetts income tax return to report and pay tax on the winnings.
  • Consultation: Winners should consult a qualified tax advisor immediately upon notification of winning.

8. Refunds & Cancellation

  • General Rule: All ticket sales are final and tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded, except as stated below.
  • Cancellation by Sponsor: The Sponsor expressly reserves the right to cancel the raffle for any reason (e.g., insufficient tickets sold, events beyond control).
  • Refund upon Cancellation: In the event of cancellation, all ticket purchasers will receive a full refund of their ticket purchase price through the original payment method.
  • Post-Drawing: After the drawing, no refunds will be given under any circumstances.

9. Liability Release

  • Agreement: By entering the raffle, participants agree to release Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc. and its officers, directors, members, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind (including death) arising from participating in the raffle or accepting the prize.
  • Sponsor Liability: The Sponsor is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdirected tickets or communications. The Sponsor’s liability, if any, is limited to the ticket price.
  • Disputes: In the event of any dispute, the decision of Stuart Highland Pipe Band, Inc. shall be final.

10. Compliance with Law

  • Governing Law: This raffle is conducted under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 271, §7A) and applicable regulations.
  • Permit: A valid raffle permit has been obtained from the Town Clerk.
  • Compliance: All raffle activities will comply with Massachusetts rules and any conditions of the permit.