System and Method for Conducting a Raffle

Abstract

A system and method is disclosed for conducting a raffle. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of unique raffle entry numbers that are sold over a communication network in exchange for donations. In particular, credit card information is received over the communication network from at least one purchaser of the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers. Moreover, a fund is generated comprising a portion of the donations. A winner is selected from the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers wherein the fund is distributed to a charitable organization via a credit authorization.

1 . A method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing, via an electronic service provider system, a plurality of unique raffle entry numbers;   (b) electronically selling the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers over a communication network in exchange for donations;   (c) electronically receiving credit card information over the communication network from at least one purchaser of the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers;   (d) electronically generating a fund comprising a portion of the donations;   (e) electronically selecting a winner from the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers; and,   (f) electronically distributing at least a portion of the fund to a charitable organization via a credit authorization made over the communication network via the electronic service provider system to an account of the charitable organization.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing information over the communication network regarding the fund wherein the information is updated on a real time basis. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps selling the unique raffle entry numbers from a website and offering to sell unique raffle entry numbers for another charitable event from the same website. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fund distribution is based, at least in part, on a selection made by at least one purchaser of said unique raffle entry numbers, and one offered selection is to split the distribution evenly between two or more charities. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing a kiosk for selling at least a portion of the unique raffle entry numbers. 
   
   
       6 . A method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a plurality of unique raffle entry numbers;   (b) selling the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers over a communications network in exchange for donations;   (c) generating a fund comprising a portion of the donations;   (d) selecting a winner from the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers; and,   (e) providing information over the communication network regarding the fund wherein the information is updated on a real time basis.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of distributing the fund to a charitable organization via a credit authorization. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the steps selling the unique raffle entry numbers from a website and offering to sell unique raffle entry numbers for another charitable event from the same website. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of distributing at least a portion of the fund based, at least in part, on a selection made by at least one purchaser of said unique raffle entry numbers, and one offered selection is to split the distribution evenly between two or more charities. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of providing a kiosk for selling at least a portion of the unique raffle entry numbers. 
   
   
       11 . A method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a plurality of unique raffle entry numbers;   (b) offering to sell the unique raffle entry numbers over a communication network from a single website;   (c) selling the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers in exchange for donations;   (d) generating a fund comprising a portion of the donations;   (e) selecting a winner from the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers; and,   (f) offering to sell unique raffle entry numbers for another event from the website.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of distributing the fund to a charitable organization via a credit authorization. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of providing information over the communication network regarding the fund wherein the information is updated on a real time basis. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of distributing at least a portion of the fund to a charitable organization based, at least in part, on a selection made by at least one purchaser of said unique raffle entry numbers, and one offered selection is to split the distribution evenly between two or more charities. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of providing a kiosk for selling at least a portion of the unique raffle entry numbers. 
   
   
       16 . A method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a plurality of unique raffle entry numbers;   (b) selling the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers in exchange for donations;   (c) receiving a selection by at least one purchaser from the plurality of charitable organizations;   (d) generating a fund comprising a portion of the donations;   (e) selecting a winner from the plurality of unique raffle entry numbers; and,   (f) distributing the fund to the plurality of charitable organizations based, at least in part, on the selection made by the at least one purchaser, and one offered selection is to split the distribution evenly between two or more charities.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the step of distributing the fund includes the step of crediting the account of at least one of the plurality of charitable organizations via a credit authorization. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising the step of providing information over the communication network regarding the fund wherein the information is updated on a real time basis. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising the steps of providing a website for selling the unique raffle entry numbers and offering to sell unique raffle entry numbers for another charitable event from the same website. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising the step of providing a kiosk for selling at least a portion of the unique raffle entry numbers.