CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - With its fall festival cancelled due to COVID regulations, Our Lady of the Rosary Maronite Catholic Church is among many local non-profits forced to think outside the collection box. Home of worship for scores of Middle Eastern Christian families, the church is raffling a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (value approximately $28,000). Second prize is $5000 in cash. Anyone may participate, at $100 a chance. Sales are limited to 500 tickets and drawing will occur December 19.

An eight-year tradition, the church’s October American Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival, has been a high point for thousands of supporters. Central to celebrations is the landmark statue of Mary and infant Jesus in Our Lady of the Rosary’s street front. Music, dancing and feasting continue during the two-day religious and cultural event, which raises funds for church endeavors and facility maintenance. 

The congregation is part of the Maronite movement – named for a Fourth-Century Syrian missionary beautified as Saint Maron. Maron’s followers established one of the earliest Middle Eastern Christian Churches. Modern Maronites have more than 80 congregations and many missions in the United States. Composed mainly of Lebanese immigrants, the Sacramento community bought a former Carmichael wedding chapel in 2011 and began services in English, Arabic and Aramaic. Christian Arabic speaking families from Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Jordan are also part of the community.

“We were sad to cancel our October festival,” says church spokesperson Carolyn Aboubechara. “It was our major fundraiser. We’ve had to come up with something to fill the gap, and we hope the car raffle does that. It will also give some lucky person a wonderful Christmas gift.”

Epic Chevrolet Cadillac (2449 Fulton Avenue) is a fundraiser co-sponsor. To purchase tickets, call (916) 832-2288 or visit https://olorsacramento.square.site/