In photo from left AIDS Foundation projects coordinator Kimberley Meijers, Executive Director Rae Merlet, Treasurer Rajesh Chintaman and winner Raphael Nozier collecting keys to his new car from foundation’s president Gerard van Osch and Scotiabank Country Manager Ray Green.
Raphael Nozier of Sucker Garden was the lucky winner of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation’s Stronger Together Car Raffle this past Saturday, when his stub was drawn out of more than 2,000 raffle stubs to be declared the winning ticket.
The drawing took place at the FW Vlaun showroom in Cole Bay, where the 2013 red Chevy Spark had been in display since March. The security guard on duty, Mr. Garfield Brown, drew the winning ticket in front of a notary and Foundation supporters, including staff at Scotiabank, the fundraising partner of the AIDS Foundation.
Mr. Nozier was promptly called via phone, and was asked to come to Vlaun with the winning ticket. His arrival was broadcast live by Etienne the Kid from x104.3. "I got the phone call and called out to my friends! Then I took a shower and rushed over", said Mr. Nozier, who works to support his children back in Haiti and had never owned a brand new car before.
"Mr. Nozier’s smile and happiness was contagious in the Vlaun showroom", said Rae Merlet, the Executive Director at the AIDS Foundation. "We are very pleased with the raffle results this year, as it shows the continuing support from the local community. A $10 raffle ticket buys 2 HIV tests, which we then offer for free to the general public".
The car raffle was part of the Stronger Together/Red Ribbon fundraising campaign, an annual fundraising initiative jointly conducted by the AIDS Foundation and Scotiabank. This is the third year that a car was raffled off, facilitated by FW Vlaun. The proceeds go toward the implementation of the Foundation’s community programs, such as Girl Power, free HIV testing, care and treatment of those living with HIV/AIDS, including those uninsured, and other outreach and education initiatives.