PIQUA — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charger Athletic Reverse Raffle event was converted to a remote drawing, replacing the traditional in-person event. And while the raffle looked much different this year, one fact remained evident: Charger fans’ unwavering support of Edison State Community College athletics.

This year, the event raised $13,900 through ticket sales alone. More than $12,000 in prize money was awarded to winning ticket holders, including the $10,000 grand prize winner, Douglas Martin of Anna.

“The money we raise through this event helps to offset many of the costs that our athletic teams incur throughout the year. It also provides a lot of opportunities that our student-athletes may not normally have, such as traveling to and participating in post-season tournaments,” said Nate Cole, Edison State Athletic Director.

Originally known as the Charger 300, the Charger Athletics Reverse Raffle began in 2010 to provide funding for postseason play and to offset expenses beyond the Edison State Athletics budget. The need for an annual fundraiser for the athletic department grew from the postseason success of Charger teams winning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XII titles, District G titles, and moving on to compete at the NJCAA Division III Final Four.

Over the past seven years, $122,690.27 has been used to purchase team uniforms and equipment, provide team facility upgrades, and cover expenses associated with postseason play.

“This event has become more and more popular each year and this year was no exception, even with COVID-19. We had a tremendous outpouring of support from people in the community and right here at Edison State and we can’t thank them enough for making the event successful,” said Cole.

Edison State’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball teams compete in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference and are Division II members of the National Junior College Athletic Association.