Truck Raffle Raises Tens of Thousands for Yuma High School Athletics

The 4th Avenue Gym Foundation kicked off a holiday fundraising raffle on December 19, 2025, offering a donated Toyota Tacoma as the grand prize. Tickets were set at $20 each and sold through Christmas, with organizers reporting the raffle had already generated tens of thousands of dollars for this year’s high school athletics programs. The vehicle was donated by Alexander Toyota, and proceeds will be used to buy equipment and support teams across Yuma County.

Organizer Justin Haile said the foundation has contributed more than $400,000 to local schools over eight years, a level of giving that averages above $50,000 per year. That track record framed the raffle as both a continuation of an established funding stream and a potential boost during a time when athletic departments face tight budgets. The school that sells the most tickets will receive additional funding from the foundation, and the student who sells the most tickets will receive a one year gym membership.

Financially, the reported receipt of tens of thousands of dollars implies substantial community participation. Because tickets cost $20 each, a conservative estimate of $20,000 raised would represent at least 1,000 tickets sold, while larger totals would indicate correspondingly greater community engagement and revenue for equipment purchases. For Yuma schools that rely on booster activity and outside fundraising to cover uniforms, training equipment, and travel, that revenue can translate directly into more equitable access to sports for students across the county.

Beyond immediate equipment purchases, the raffle highlights the role of local partnerships between nonprofits and businesses in filling gaps left by constrained school budgets. A donation of a vehicle leverages marketing value for the dealership and fundraising value for schools, creating a multiplier effect in the local economy as money raised circulates through vendors and service providers who supply athletic gear and services.

With ticket sales open through December 25, supporters have a narrow window to participate. The outcome will determine not only the raffle winner, but also which schools receive extra resources heading into the new athletic season.