TWO fundrasing initiatives for the College of the Bahamas have been announced, including a raffle which will gift a Mercedes Benz to a lucky winner. Representatives of the District Grand Lodge of the Bahamas, Scottish Constitution (DGL SC), announced the fundraisers in a press conference at Tyreflex Star Motors. Speaking on behalf of the nine daughter Lodges of DGL, District Grand Master Charles Johnson announced the district's pledge of a $100,000 endowment fund to COB over the next four years via an annual national raffle and gala ball. Tyreflex Star Motors agreed to partner with the DGL as a co-sponsor of this year's raffle prize: a 2012 Mercedes Benz C180. The grand prize drawing will take place March 10 at the DGL's Gala Ball at the Wyndham Cable Beach Resort. Chairman of the DGL fundraising committee Courtney Strachan said the ball would not only serve as the culmination of DGL's 2012 national raffle campaign but would also serve to introduce the public to an event that is expected to become a cornerstone of the Bahamian social calendar. Promising a sophisticated fine dining experience accentuated by top-class entertainment and a feast for all the senses, Mr Strachan pointed out a reward for each patron far beyond the various prizes that will be featured during this year's ball - the reward of helping continue the legacy of the nation's premier institution for higher learning. COB president Dr Betsy Vogel Boze thanked the DGL SC for its decision to assist the college. Dr Boze said such efforts demonstrate the continued commitment of the fraternal body to the success of COB students, as the college already benefits from scholarships offered by Lodge St Michael 1634 SC and Lodge St David 1741 SC - both daughter Lodges of DGL. Speaking on behalf of Tyreflex Star Motors managing director Patrick Knowles, Dellareese Edgecombe said the company is excited to be a part of this year's DGL raffle, especially considering the district's various programmes focused on the mentorship of young men. Tickets for this year's raffle may be obtained via a $50 endowment fund contribution at the following ticket sales locations: Andeaus Insurance (Trinity Plaza, West Bay Street and St Alban's Drive); West Bay Pharmacy (Hoffer Plaza, Cable Beach); and Quality Food Store (Galleria Plaza, JFK Drive). Raffle tickets can also be purchased directly from DGL members or by calling 424-2926 in New Providence or 727-8020 in Grand Bahama.