The Cayuga Nation Police Department announced its third annual Meat Raffle to raise money for the Special Olympics. This year’s event will be hosted at the Union Springs Fire Department banquet hall on October 10, 2021 from 1–4 p.m.
Spearheading the event is Cayuga Nation Police Department Captain, June Worden, and New York State Retired Corrections, Sergeant Mike Murray. Local donations for the event include venue space provided by the Union Springs Fire Department and $3,000 provided by the Cayuga Nation to purchase meat and other goods for raffle. Any unused funds for the event will be automatically donated to the Special Olympics.
“Over the years, the Cayuga Nation has been very generous in supporting the Special Olympics and have contributed thousands of dollars for our annual Meat Raffle,” said Ms. Worden. “This cause and the tangible benefits it offer to so many is important to me, and I’m proud to be in a community so supportive of raising awareness and donations for the Special Olympics.”
The Special Olympics of New York has given year-round Olympic sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years. Funds raised at the Meat Raffle will support the global “Going for the Gold” effort – collecting donations for the Special Olympics of New York. Earlier in September, Cayuga Nation Police Department members also helped collect community donations for the Special Olympics at a Dunkin’ in Seneca Falls—totaling $1,175 raised at their location.
“The Cayuga Nation Police Department has made it a priority to hold this event each year, and the Cayuga Nation is proud to provide financial support for their efforts,” said Clint Halftown, leader of the Cayuga Nation. “This annual raffle is an event our community looks forward to—not just for the prizes, but for our collective support towards an important and impactful cause.”
The raffle event will conduct 40 rounds of random ticket number selection, with a chance to win turkey, prime rib, shrimp, scallops, boneless ham, pork loin, and New York strip. There will be a $5 super round in which two winners will receive one of each meat item offered. All are invited to participate in the raffle.
About the Cayuga Nation
The Cayuga Nation (Nation) is a federally recognized sovereign Indian nation established in 1794 by the Treaty of Canandaigua. The Nation’s sovereign and federally protected 64,015-acre reservation is located in Seneca and Cayuga Counties in the State of New York. The Cayuga Nation Council, led by Clint Halftown, Tim Twoguns, Gary Wheeler, Donald Jimerson and Michael Barringer, serves as the official governing body for the entire Nation. With more than 500 members across the country, the Cayuga Nation and its leadership provide national benefits to Cayuga Nation members, including financial support, cultural enrichment opportunities, food distribution and community events, among other benefits. These activities have allowed Cayuga Nation citizens to return to their homeland with an opportunity for housing and employment, which helps preserve the Cayuga Nation’s culture.