HEART RAFFLE INFORMATION

How Does the Reverse Raffle Work?

1. All raffle tickets are placed in the raffle drum
2. The matching ticket numbers are placed on windows in the showroom for public display
3. A Heart Raffle volunteer will draw one folded ticket stub out of the raffle drum and remove the matching ticket number on the window ****These tickets drawn are NOT the winners****
4. The ticket and matching number will be handed to another Heart Raffle volunteer to verify the ticket drawn matches the number removed from the window, then discarded
5. Tickets will continue to be drawn, matched, and discarded, until there are only 23 tickets remaining in the raffle drum
6. The Heart Raffle will then be momentarily paused to verify the remaining tickets in the drum match the ticket numbers remaining on the windows
7. Once verified, the Heart Raffle will continue, and a volunteer will draw twenty (20) tickets and remove the coordinating ticket numbers from the windows. These twenty (20) tickets will each receive $500!
8. Of the three (3) tickets remaining in the drum, one more ticket will be drawn and declared the winner of the $10,000!
9. The last two (2) tickets remaining in the drum, will be declared the winners of the vehicles!

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know my raffle ticket will be in the raffle drum?

ALL raffle tickets purchased, are matched to their coordinating numbers on the windows and then placed in the raffle drum before the raffle. Because this is a reverse raffle, ALL ticket numbers will be announced out loud at some point during the raffle. Be sure to listen out for your raffle ticket number!

• How will the winners be contacted?

Winners will be contacted via the phone number provided on the ticket. If winners cannot be reached by phone, they will be contacted by email and certified mail. If a vehicle winner or legal representative of the winner does not claim their prize within 5 business days, the fourth to the last ticket drawn from the raffle bin on the day of the drawing will be proclaimed the winner.

• How will the winners be announced to the public?

The winners’ names will be announced at the raffle, on Mercedes-Benz of Columbus’ Facebook page and website, and other local media affiliates such as: WRBL (CBS affiliate), WTVM (ABC affiliate), PMB Broadcasting, and iHeart Media, on the day of the raffle.

• How do I know the American Heart Association will receive my donation?

When a Heart Raffle ticket is purchased, the donor’s information is collected, and an American Heart Association receipt issued. The donor’s information is then sent to the American Heart Association for their records*.

• If I win a Mercedes-Benz, how much are the taxes?

Mercedes-Benz and $10K winners will be required to fill out the appropriate IRS W-G2 and W9 forms and to pay the tax liability of 24%** of the fair market value of the prize in addition to local sales taxes and fees. Please also refer to your accountant for exact details on tax preparation.

• Can the Mercedes-Benz winners upgrade their prize?

Absolutely! Vehicle winners may choose a Mercedes-Benz valued at $55,001 or more but will be required to pay the difference in cost and any additional taxes.

 

Official Rules, Terms and Conditions

The Heart Raffle is only open to legal United States residents, 18 years of age or older at the time of the drawing. The Heart Raffle is subject to federal, state and local laws and is void where prohibited. Mercedes-Benz and $10K winners will be required to fill out the appropriate IRS W-G2 and W9 forms and to pay the estimated tax liability of 24%** of the fair market value of the prize in addition to local sales taxes and fees. If a vehicle winner chooses a Mercedes-Benz valued at $55,001 or more, they are responsible for the difference in cost and any additional taxes. Vehicle winners are also responsible for all other costs and unspecified expenses. Vehicle winners must provide a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance at time of delivery. All winners will be contacted at the time of the drawing via the phone number provided on their entry. If no phone number was provided, they will then be contacted by the address and email address provided. If a vehicle winner does not claim their prize within 5 business days, the fourth to last and fifth to the last tickets drawn from the raffle bin on the day of the drawing will be proclaimed the winners. Twenty (20) tickets drawn will receive $500 with no taxes due. If at least 433 tickets are not distributed, the first car and no $500 prizes will be awarded. At least 867 tickets must be sold for a second car giveaway, $10K giveaway, and twenty (20) $500 prizes. No more than 2750 tickets will be sold or accepted. All ticket sales are final. American Heart Association employees are permitted from purchasing tickets. Winners need not be present to win. By purchasing a raffle ticket for entry into the Heart Raffle, participants agree to the Official Rules and decisions made by Mercedes-Benz of Columbus, which are final and binding in all respects. By participating in the Heart Raffle, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Mercedes-Benz of Columbus and all employees of Mercedes-Benz of Columbus, The Greater Columbus American Heart Association, WRBL, WTVM, PMB Broadcasting, and iHeart Media for all liabilities regarding the Heart Raffle. Mercedes-Benz of Columbus is not responsible for any incorrect, misused language, technical errors, or human errors in processing Heart Raffle entries.

*Please note that donor information collected by Mercedes-Benz of Columbus, is shared with the American Heart Association for donor and marketing purposes only. Mercedes-Benz of Columbus and the American Heart Association work together to protect consumer information and will not sell or distribute consumer information to any other organization for any reason other than described above. All information shared meets the updated FTC data sharing guidelines to protect consumer privacy.  ** Tax liability subject to change.