Non-dues revenue is essential for chambers but can be—how can we put this nicely—boring. The same old sponsorships just aren’t eliciting the response they used to. And why would they? Businesses want something new and fresh. They’re doing it in their own marketing so why wouldn’t they want it in their investment dollars as well?
But finding a non-dues idea that’s engaging, profitable, not a pain in the butt, and downright fun for everyone involved? That’s impossible, right? Nope. The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce came up with something that deserves the attention of a booming foghorn. This August, they are putting a creative spin on the classic raffle.
Their event, “Yacht Rock the Night Aweigh!” (don’t you love that title?), is more than just a party. It’s a masterclass in community engagement, thematic branding, and multi-stream fundraising. With only 300 tickets sold to the reverse raffle and $10,000 on the line, this is one chamber event that knows how to rock the boat—in the best possible way.
Reverse Raffle 101: What It Is, Why It Works
Maybe you’re wondering what a reverse raffle is. Isn’t a raffle just drawing out a winner? Does a reverse raffle mean no one wins? No way. It trades in that moment of anticipation with a raffle for a whole evening of excited tension.
Here’s how Carteret explains it on the Chamber website:
“We sell 300 tickets. Each ticket equals one entry into the raffle (and the party). While you’re busy partying, our raffle software pulls tickets one by one. If your ticket gets pulled, you’re out! (That’s the reverse part). The last ticket pulled wins $10,000. Contestants can monitor their ticket status on the big screen.”
Unlike a typical raffle where the first draw wins, reverse raffles flip the tension. You don’t want to hear your number… until the very end. That makes for an experience that’s as Unlike a typical raffle where the first draw wins, reverse raffles flip the tension. You don’t want to hear your number… until the very end. That makes for an experience that’s as entertaining as it is rewarding. It’s kind of like Deal or No Deal in that you anticipate that final case, or here, that final number.
The Party: High-Energy Fun and Local Flavor
Carteret’s team didn’t stop with the raffle mechanics. They created a full-blown experience that keeps guests entertained all night.
“DJ? Check. Dance floor? Check. Mini-contests and other fun activities? Check!”
Ticket holders are treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet catered by a local chef, complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, and a bar upgrade option with unlimited cocktails. The value is clear, and the vibe is electric.
The Theme: Branding Gold
Themed events are social media gold—and Carteret leans into that with enthusiasm. Each year, the entire event is built around a theme, from decor to dress code to music.
As the Chamber puts it, “What’s better than a party? A theme party! Everyone is encouraged to dress up in outlandish, themed outfits and take part in the costume contest.”
This year’s Yacht Rock theme has guests breaking out boat shoes, captain’s hats, and their best Kenny Loggins energy. And the Chamber doesn’t just suggest costumes—they celebrate them with contests and spotlight moments, encouraging interaction and great photo ops for promotion.
Double the Auction, Double the Impact
This event doesn’t just raise funds through ticket sales and drinks—it layers in two silent auctions for added revenue.
There’s an Online Silent Auction from July 28 – August 4 and it’s open to the public. Then there’s an In-Person Silent Auction from 6-9 pm at the event for ticketholders only.
With over 60 locally donated items, these auctions bring in community support and showcase local businesses in front of a generous, engaged crowd.
Sponsors Get the VIP Treatment
Sponsorship for the reverse raffle isn’t just transactional—it’s downright delightful and they keep to the theme in their marketing. It isn’t boring “support the chamber” speak as you can see from Carteret’s sponsor materials: “We’re currently onboarding sponsors!”
And the benefits? Way beyond a logo on a poster. They include tickets, raffle entries, private tables, full bar wristbands, and—wait for it—express event entry. And they bring the fun with every detail. You can feel the excitement in their materials in phrases like, “We’ve sweetened the deal this year and doubled the amount of seating for each sponsor level. Invite friends to Yacht Rock the Night Aweigh with you!”
And we just love this idea. “Our sponsor packages come with all the usual marketing perks plus fun extras that match our theme each year! In 2024 we flocked our sponsors with flamingos… what stunt will we pull on our Yacht Rocking partners in 2025?”
The result? Sponsors don’t just support the Chamber—they become part of the story. And that’s great for long-term relationships, brand visibility, and good old-fashioned buzz.
Why It Works: Lessons for Other Chambers
This event hits all the right notes for chambers looking to replicate the model:
- Limited Tickets = High Value. Capping tickets at 300 makes the event feel exclusive and manageable. It also builds urgency and ensures you don’t oversell your capacity.
- Multi-Layered Revenue Streams. This isn’t just a raffle—it’s a buffet, bar, auction, and costume party rolled into one. That means multiple chances to drive revenue and make sponsors happy.
- Community + Chamber Connection. Carteret smartly connects sponsor dollars to real-world impact: “Sponsors allow the Chamber to offer programs like Leadership Carteret, events like the State of the Community Breakfast, Member benefits like complimentary online advertising, and opportunities to serve the community at large. Since 1959, Member sponsors have made this Chamber what it is today!” That’s mission-focused storytelling at its best—connecting the party to the purpose.
- Bold, Branded Marketing. The Chamber’s consistent use of playful language and visuals—from event titles to costume encouragement—creates a tone that’s fun, memorable, and unmistakable.
Ready to Rock Your Own Raffle?
If your chamber is looking for a fresh, profitable, and wildly fun non-dues revenue idea, the Carteret County Chamber’s reverse raffle is proof that themed events with a twist can deliver on all fronts—money, mission, and member engagement.
Add in smart marketing, delightful sponsor perks, and a night people can’t stop talking about, and you’ve got a recipe for a repeat success.
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Kudos to the Carteret County Chamber for showing us that fundraising can still surprise us—and that non-dues revenue doesn’t have to mean another chicken dinner. Watch their fun video explaining the concept of a reverse raffle here or visit their event page on Facebook.
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