Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club raffles off a classic Mustang

A man from Texas won this 1966 convertible Mustang. [Photos: BXRC]

For the past 35 years, the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Crossroads has raffled off a classic Mustang to raise money for its charitable projects. 

Jesus Tarango from El Paso, Texas, won a white 1966 Mustang convertible with a red interior during the most recent raffle on Nov. 11. Tarango bought his raffle ticket online. Two people each won $500.

The drawing was held at American Legion Post 176 in Springfield on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month as a tribute to all veterans on Veterans Day. 

The raffle event gets underway.

Past president of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club Robert Metzger came up with the idea for the car raffle during a Board of Directors discussion about the need for a significant fundraiser that could be held every year.

The raffle proved popular. Since the club started the classic Mustang raffle in 1986, it has raised more than $1.8 million. 

One of the club’s members, a classical car enthusiast who has served as president of the National Capital Region Mustang Club, is responsible for finding cars to be raffled and getting them restored. 

The classic car raffle offers the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotarians more benefits than just fundraising. It’s been a great way for club members to meet new people, as the club brings the Mustang to community events where they sell raffle tickets. 

The winning tickets are drawn.

“Talking with those who want to give back to their community through active, hands-on service, we have met many future Rotarians whom we have welcomed to our club,” says Polly Rosenstein, the club’s public relations chair.

Ticket sales for the 2022 raffle are expected to start in April.