A charitable splash

The 6th annual Maple Splash Raffle sponsored in part by Pat Preston and Preston Ford will take place on Saturday, July 12, on the grounds of Century Village Museum in Burton. You can expect musical entertainment, the soaring RE/MAX Rising hot air balloon generously sponsored by owner Ann Blair, bagpipers, games, food trucks, raffles, auction items and so much more—and the event just keeps getting better and better. 

“This is a free event that raises money through raffle ticket sales online throughout the year, and at the event. Rotary Club of Burton Middlefield (RBM) distributes the funds to various non-profit service organizations that provide aid to veterans, senior citizens, human trafficking and abuse victims and many others,” RBM member and Maple Splash Raffle creator Larry Fox says. “We help fund community lunch programs, provide academic and service scholarships to high school students, partner with Kent State University for an endowment program, and provided the Geauga County Sheriff’s department with funds to purchase AEDs. Each year we try to do more. There’s great need in our community.”

For Larry, the best part of the event is distributing these funds directly to the organizations at an appreciation dinner in August. 

“This dinner is the culmination of the hard work, generosity and support of the people of this community and all around the country,” Larry says.

That’s right, Maple Splash Raffle tickets have been sold to people as far away as California, Alaska and British Columbia. And we’re lucky enough to be right here to take part in the fun. The rain-or-shine, family-friendly event includes entertainment by Fox 8’s own Todd Meany, lead singer of the popular Ace Molar band, along with the integrated band RockAbility. 

“RockAbility is a program sponsored by NPower Services that welcomes musicians with disabilities into performance-based musical projects of various genres,” Larry says. “RockAbility increases confidence for these band members and helps to build community connections through music. They’re so talented and a lot of fun to rock out with.”

Along with the music are food trucks, beer and wine sales and a non-profit booth area including more than 40 organizations eager to spread their mission and provide attendees with information and opportunities to get involved.

Raffles throughout the day lead up to the grand prize winner of a 2024 F-150 4x4 Supercrew truck courtesy of Preston Ford. Other raffle items include a Generac portable generator, 65” Samsung flatscreen TV, diamond necklace, timber frame pavilion, self-propelled mower, Big Green Egg grill and so much more. Check the website for the details on all raffle items. 

Larry reports that last year’s raffle raised a collective $204,000 for local charities. 



“People find us on the internet and through word of mouth and appreciate that fact that all of the proceeds go directly to these organizations,” Larry says. “The Raffle is just one fun-filled, family day of entertainment, food and music for some great causes, and we are so proud of this community and those beyond who support us. It’s a special thing to be a part of and a lot of fun.”

For more information on the Maple Splash Raffle, ticket information and raffle item details, check the website MapleSplashRaffle.com. For more information on the Rotary Club of Burton, check BurtonRotary.org or find them on Facebook.