Raffle tickets are $150 each.

The Irvine Public Schools Foundation is holding its seventh annual raffle and this year is no exception for exciting prizes. A luxury, high-rise condo worth $700,000 at 3000 The Plaza will take its place at the top of the raffle. Other picks are a year’s worth of rent at The Park at Irvine Spectrum apartment community and a BMW 3 series sedan. $10,000 in cash will also be raffled and the winner of the grand-prize condo can choose to take $500,000 instead of the property. Another fortunate winner will win a vacation at one of six local oceanfront resorts.

Since 1996, The Irvine Public School Foundation (IPSF) takes the position that effective community support is needed to provide the best educational opportunities for the children of Irvine. They support fine arts, science, smaller classes, music, counseling, after school programs, summer enrichment, and competitive grants to creative teachers. Neda Zaengle, CEO of the IPSF explained, “Working together, we can and will maintain the quality of our schools and our community.” The emphasis now is on help to bridge the budget gap that touch school districts across the state. At one time, California schools led the nation as a model. Today the per-student funding is near the very bottom of all 50 states and, of course, this affects the quality of education.

The “Dream Stakes” raffle is officially off the ground. Zaengle said, “We want to get people excited about donating to the schools.” Stirring up enthusiasm from different sources has recently netted the organization $495,000. The contributions came from Irvine parents over the past 5 weeks as well as local business people that frequently travel to Orange County. Young adults renting around Irvine and other adjacent areas have also given funds to help Irvine schools.

Raffle tickets cost $150 each and check out some other great deals such as buy 5 tickets and get one free. Purchase by fax 949.263.8343 or mail to the foundation’s office at 18552 Mac Arthur Boulevard, Irvine, 92612-1210. Please call 949.263.8340 for further assistance. Go on the web for further information and to donate or download entry form-www.irvinedreamstakes.com.