Contest Rules

1. The MerleFest Mega Raffle will take place on April 30, 2023 (unless postponed or cancelled in accordance with these rules). The actual drawing of entries and registering of winners on that date is herein referred to as the “Event”.
2. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a raffle ticket and win a prize.
3. Unsold raffle tickets become the property of MerleFest and the WCC Foundation (hereinafter “MerleFest”).
4. No more than 3,000 raffle tickets will be sold.
5. Each raffle ticket must contain only one individual’s name. For example: “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe” is not acceptable since that represents two people. Only one person can claim the drawn prize associated with a winning ticket. If more than one name appears on the raffle ticket, only the first name listed will be entered into the raffle and can claim the drawn prize.
6. MerleFest will not distribute any free or discounted tickets.
7. For each raffle ticket sold, MerleFest will give the ticketholder two (2) entries for the raffle drawing. Each entry will be identified with the ticketholder’s name and serial number.
8. For the drawings, all entries will be placed in a lottery barrel. There will be 21 draws. For each prize, a single entry will be drawn. That entry will not be placed back in the barrel for remaining draws. An entry can only win one prize.
9. A ticketholder can win more than once either with the two chances on the raffle ticket or by purchasing additional raffle tickets.
10. Tickets must be purchased online using the MerleFest website Mega Raffle tab or the MerleFest website ticket portal. Ticketholders will receive a confirmation email. The email confirmation will contain a serial number which must be presented to claim a prize. Tickets are not valid until the credit card has cleared.
11. If not sold out, tickets may be purchased at MerleFest 2023 at the MerleFest Raffle/Silent Auction Tent. Purchases at the Mega Raffle/Silent Auction Tent must be made by credit card or cash; checks will not be accepted. Tickets will be available until sold out or until 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Ticket purchasers will receive a confirmation email which will serve as the purchaser’s raffle ticket. The email confirmation will contain a serial number which must be presented to claim a prize. If the purchaser does not have access to email, the purchaser will be given a raffle ticket which will contain a serial number which must be presented to claim a prize. Tickets purchased using a credit card are not valid until the credit card has cleared.
12. MerleFest reserves the right to postpone the MerleFest Mega Raffle for any reason. Should this occur, registered ticketholders who provide an email address will be notified by email, and a notice will be placed on the MerleFest website – merlefest.org.
13. MerleFest reserves the right to cancel the MerleFest Mega Raffle for any reason including, but not limited to, insufficient ticket sales. A minimum of 2,000 tickets must be sold for the raffle to occur. If the MerleFest Mega Raffle is cancelled, all ticketholders will receive a refund of the purchase price.
14. If the event is held, ALL listed prizes will be awarded. If a listed prize is not available, a substitution of a like prize will be made. The value of the substituted prize may be equal or less but not greater than the value of original prize.
15. MerleFest reserves the right to cut off ticket sales at any time prior to the raffle drawings.
16. Winners are responsible for all taxes, transfers, and fees which must be paid before receipt of the prize by the winner. Some prizes may require withholding of Federal taxes from the prize in accordance with IRS rules. (Note: Taxes withheld are paid directly to the government in the name of the winner and become a credit on the taxes the winner owes at the end of the year. Winners getting tax refunds may recover part or all of the withholding as part of their refund). All winning ticket holders must complete the necessary IRS forms in order to receive prize.
17. Prize winners of non-cash prizes are responsible for all shipping expenses should they request the prize be shipped to them. International shipments may be subject to tariffs.
18. Only the ticketholder whose name is on a winning ticket may claim the applicable prize. Proper identification including proof of 18 years of age or older and a social security number are required by law to claim any prize. The serial number on the email confirmation is required to claim prize.
19. Winners of the Harley-Davidson Low Rider, Kawasaki Brute Force 300, Solo Pizza Oven and Essential Bundle, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple iPad Pro, Sony 65” 4K Smart TV, MacBook Pro, and 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend may choose to forgo their prize and instead accept a cash prize in the amount of 50% of the recommended manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the prize, or 60% of the price at which the prize was made available to MerleFest, whichever is smaller.
20. MerleFest and the retailers/dealers from which MerleFest purchases the prizes are under no obligation to purchase the prize from the winner.
21. The winning list of names will be posted on the MerleFest website after the event.
22. Winners need not be present to win. Winners will be notified within two (2) weeks after the raffle drawing as to how and where to claim their prize. Winners are responsible for all expenses incurred in picking up their prize.
23. Winners must claim their prizes within thirty (30) days of the event. If a Winner does not claim his/her prize within thirty (30) days of the event, the prize shall be forfeited.
24. A check will be mailed to cash prize winners within forty-five (45) days of the event once all required paperwork has been completed and returned.
25. Some non-cash prizes may have to be ordered after the winner claims the prize and will be subject to manufacturer’s order times and shipping times.
26. MerleFest Events Team Members who are Wilkes Community College employees and their immediate families living in the same household are not eligible to purchase MerleFest Mega Raffle tickets and win prizes.
27. Upon purchase of a ticket, ticketholder agrees to the following terms and conditions:
    • Email confirmation will serve as the purchaser’s raffle ticket. Possession of the email confirmation is not a requirement to win but the serial number on the email confirmation must be presented to claim a prize.
    • Mega Raffle tickets purchased at the Mega Raffle/Silent Auction Tent during MerleFest 2023 will include a serial number. The raffle ticket or email confirmation are not a requirement to win but the serial number must be presented to claim a prize.
    • Tickets are not transferable or redeemable for cash (except as set forth above).
    • This ticket is a revocable license.
    • MerleFest reserves the right, without the refund of any portion of the ticket purchase price, to refuse admission or to remove from the event any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, these terms and conditions, and all applicable laws.
    • No refunds (except as set forth above) or exchanges of prizes are permitted.
    • The purchase of a Mega Raffle ticket or tickets does not grant the ticketholder entry into the festival.
    • The purchase of MerleFest tickets is not a requirement to purchase Mega Raffle tickets or to win a prize.
    • The Event will be held rain or shine; no refunds will be given due to inclement weather.
    • For purposes of promoting the raffle, ticketholders hereby authorize MerleFest to use their name, their photographs, sound and/or videotapes of them, and other media in connection with the raffle without compensation to the ticketholder.
    • Rules may be amended at any time. All revisions will be posted on the MerleFest website.
    • Every effort will be made to contact the winners using the contact information they provided when they purchased their Mega Raffle tickets. If the contact information is not correct, MerleFest is not liable or responsible should a prize be forfeited due to MerleFest’s inability to contact the winner.
    • Every effort will be made to contact the winners using the contact information they provided when they purchased their Mega Raffle tickets. If the contact information is not correct or winner fails to respond timely, MerleFest is not liable or responsible should a prize be forfeited due to MerleFest’s inability to contact the winner.
    • The Event may be recorded.
    • All prizes are awarded to winners on an “AS-IS” and “as available” basis as provided to MerleFest. MerleFest makes no promises, warranties, or representations of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and any such warranties are expressly disclaimed. Once a prize is claimed by the ticketholder, it is the property of the ticketholder and MerleFest is not responsible for its condition, operation or the ticketholder’s satisfaction with it.
    • MerleFest, Wilkes Community College and its employees, agents, contractors, officers, directors and trustees shall NOT be liable in any way for any damages whatsoever, including any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or loss of profits to any ticketholder, participant or winner resulting from or arising out of the MerleFest Mega Raffle.
28. The MerleFest Mega Raffle will have 21 prizes. Odds of winning a prize are based on number of tickets sold. The maximum number tickets to be sold is 3,000. Each ticket gives the purchaser two entries for the drawings. The maximum number of entries is 6,000.

Thank You to Our Supporting Partners!

Proceeds

Net proceeds from the MerleFest Mega Raffle support Wilkes Community College students through the WCC SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) Fellows program.

The WCC SAGE Fellows is a scholarship program that provides students with academic and financial support. It was established to remove barriers and guide students on a successful path toward graduation and career opportunities. Application deadline is March of each year. Interviews are conducted in April of each year.

This scholarship was created in support of the college-wide strategic plan which includes scholarships, completion, and equity.

For additional information regarding other opportunities at Wilkes Community College, please visit www.wilkescc.edu/giving.

Thank you for your support of the MerleFest Mega Raffle and our Wilkes Community College students.