‘Ralphie Raffle’

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio – Four decades after “A Christmas Story” became a holiday classic, a benefit raffle is offering the opportunity to win a unique experience with Ralphie and some of his friends and antagonists at what the Greater Cleveland Film Commission calls the film’s “biggest cast reunion ever.”

The nostalgic film, released in 1983, includes memorable scenes filmed on Cleveland’s Public Square, in Higbee’s department store and outside a now-famous house on the West Side.

“Behind the Camera: ‘A Christmas Story’ 40th Anniversary” runs from November 10 to 12 at Cleveland Public Auditorium. Cast members scheduled to appear include Peter Billingsley (Ralphie Parker), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Zack Ward (Skut Farkas), R.D. Robb (Schwartz), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill) and Ian Petrella (Randy Parker). The last time they were all in Cleveland at the same time was during filming of the movie.

The raffle, to benefit Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund, may not promise a “fra-gee-lay” leg lamp or a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. But not even The Old Man could grouse about the grand prize:

• VIP Dinner with the Cast for 2 Guests on Thursday, November 9
• Two reserved VIP seats at the Behind-the-Camera Panel on Friday, November 10
• Two front-of-the-line VIP passes for all Cast Expo events; additional charge for autographs
• Overnight hotel accommodations and a swag bag

“As a sponsor of this event, we wanted to make an exceptional experience available for the winner of this raffle with access to the incredible cast of this hit movie and iconic Cleveland holiday film,” said Susan Delaney of the Delaney Group with Howard Hanna. “More importantly, funds raised from this effort will benefit Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund,” added Peter Delaney.

So we triple dog dare you to purchase a chance to win!

Tickets are $25 each or five tickets for $100. To purchase via PayPal, email Emily Delaney at @howardhanna.com and include the number of tickets being purchased and contact information; or send a check payable to Howard Hanna CFCE and mail to Howard Hanna, c/o The Delaney Group, Entry deadline is November 1, and the drawing will be held November 3.

To purchase general tickets to the event, go toclevelandfilm.com.

ABOUT THE HOWARD HANNA CHILDREN’S FREE CARE FUND

Beginning in 1988, with a few office potluck luncheon fundraisers (called “Chow Chows”), the mission was simply to assure that children are never denied the care they need, due to their current economic situation. Whether fundraising to help un- or underinsured families afford life-saving treatments for their children, fundraising for programs that support education for children with special needs, or fundraising for end-of-life care that insurance does not cover, Howard Hanna agents and employees have supported this mission by volunteering their time and resources to help give a better quality of life to those less fortunate.

Since the beginning of our free care fundraising, Howard Hanna agents and employees have come together to raise more than $18 million. We are now raising more than $1 million each year to continue building the Fund. As Howard Hanna continues to expand into new regions and states, we are beginning to fundraise for the free care funds at children’s hospitals in those areas as well.

As our world faces new and complex challenges, the need for the Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund is more necessary than ever, while families everywhere are still experiencing financial hardships and illnesses. We are proud to continue our commitment to help children and families in need and partner with local and regional children’s hospitals and pediatric programs to carry on our mission of fundraising in support of free care.