June 25, 2020 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is proud to announce the launch of their Luck of the Lakes raffle—a mission-based fundraiser providing one lucky winner and up to 5 friends the trip of a lifetime on an Interlake Steamship Company freighter in the 2021 sailing season or the option of $10,000.

“This is an experience that can’t be purchased, and represents an incredible opportunity to explore the Great Lakes in a unique and luxurious way,” says museum Executive Director Chris Gillcrist, who has been overseeing the annual raffle since its inception 20 years ago. “Imagine yourself on the deck of a 1,000-foot freighter steaming across Lake Superior. Pretend you are watching this same giant vessel work through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie—it’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Great Lakes.”  

The trip itself ranges from 4-6 days and is for up to four to six individuals. Additionally, because the museum recognizes during this unprecedented time that travel is not an option for everyone, this year they are offering a $10,000 cash prize alternative. A winner is planned to be drawn on September 26 during the organization’s annual H2Oh! fundraiser.

This year, revenue brought in through the Luck of the Lakes raffle will be more important than ever. All proceeds go directly towards supporting the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ mission to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes. With over $80,000 of lost revenue from the forced closure and additional expected losses of $75,000-125,000—the National Museum of the Great Lakes, like countless others, is facing difficult challenges due to the onset of COVID-19. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, individuals can visit the raffle landing page here.