Carissa Burgos says actually winning the car is somewhat of a bonus to donating to a worthy cause. Photo: Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Twenty dollars spent on one ticket in the Ronald McDonald House charity car raffle earlier this year has resulted in a brand new Lexus UX 250H, helping the dreams of a Canberra resident come true.
Not thinking much of it at the time, Carissa Burgos purchased a ticket to go into the running to win the car valued at more than $60,000 after seeing a post on social media.
“I think when you buy tickets for causes like this, you don’t think about actually winning. You just want to donate to a good cause,” Carissa says.
Carissa doesn’t even hold an Australian driver’s licence, although starting driving lessons is now a top priority.
“It really was the push I needed to look to getting my driver’s licence.”
Carissa purchased the ticket as a one-off months earlier to give back to a charity that helps seriously ill and injured children and their families.
“It honestly felt like a win regardless of actually winning the car because I had heard about all the good things the Ronald McDonald House Charity does. I wanted to help out. I didn’t think much of it after that.”
That changed when she got “the call” on the night of the RMHC Lexus of Canberra Gala Ball on 23 March.
“I got the call around midnight and didn’t want to answer, but I remembered I had bought the ticket and thought there was a small chance it might be that, and it was.
“I was honestly speechless.”
RMHC executive officer for ACT and South East NSW Lee Maiden says the annual raffle is a vital fundraiser that contributes to the work they provide for families year round.
“The funds raised from the raffle directly support families of children facing medical challenges. We are thrilled for Carissa. Her generous decision to buy a ticket to support us and then walk away with a brand new car is why we hold this annual event,” Lee says.
“It would not have happened without the generosity of Mirko Milic, the principal dealer at Lexus of Canberra. We are grateful for his steadfast commitment and ongoing support to RMHC ACT and SE NSW.”
Mirko says the company is thrilled to have donated the car to the cause.
“It’s truly rewarding to see Carissa win this car. At Lexus of Canberra, we are committed to supporting our community and partnering with RMHC ACT & SE NSW for this raffle, which has been a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact,” he says.
Feeling lucky? Get your ticket for the 2025 raffle and make a difference for the families of sick and injured children through the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
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