Pictures taken at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, fall of 2022. The Empey Family enjoys a get away at a magical place.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it,” said last year’s Swing with Shorewood grand prize raffle winner, Carman Empey. “I heard my name called for the Southwest Airlines ticket voucher and I was shocked. We bought our tickets the night of the gala, and I think we only bought six. I remember thinking that we weren’t going to win!”
Picture at last year’s gala which was Kentucky Derby themed. Carman and Ryan Empey are seated directly in the center of this photo at the far end of the table.
In case you are unfamiliar with the Southwest Raffle, this is a fundraiser that SEED has done for the past several years. In the weeks leading up to the Swing with Shorewood Gala, SEED Swing committee members sell tickets in person and online for the chance to win a $1500 voucher to fly on Southwest Airlines. The winner is drawn on the night of the gala, which is Saturday, May 6th at Discovery World this year.
The Empey family used their $1,500 voucher for a trip to Orlando last fall. “We were already thinking about taking the kids to Disney World over Fall conference time, so we used the gift cards for flight tickets for me and our two kids. My husband, Ryan, had a work conference there, so his flights were already covered, and my parents also bought tickets and met us there.”
Right: Jax and Tegan Empey on the airplane ride to Florida. Left: Jax and Teagan strike a pose with Cinderella.
Empey enthusiastically explained, “While in Orlando, we visited Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom, stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and visited Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section. We also moved to the hotel that was hosting Ryan’s conference and found that they had recently installed a huge water park, so we spent a lot of time there on our last day.”
“We support SEED both through the Gala and annual giving”, said Empey. “I’m proud of the Shorewood schools and the education that my kids are getting, and supporting SEED is one small way that we can help ensure that Shorewood’s excellence in education continues.”
To purchase raffle tickets in advance for this year’s $1,500 Southwest Airlines voucher, use the button below or tickets may be purchased directly at the Swing with Shorewood gala at Discovery World on May 6. Prices are $5 for 1 ticket, $25 for 6 tickets or $100 for 25 tickets. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win.
Start dreaming about your next vacation and purchase your raffle tickets today!