After raising over $5,000 in ticket sales last year, Cass County’s Winter Fest raffle is back with big prizes.

The Cass County Cancer Service, a nonprofit organization, works year round to raise money and provide assistance to residents in the county who have previously fought or are currently fighting cancer.

Members of the Cancer Service are very active in the community and donate their time to help cancer patients in addition to raising funds for awareness and treatment. The organization works with the American Cancer Society by driving Cass County patients to and from treatments for the Road to Recovery program.

“(The raffle) helps our family and friends. I think most of us know someone that has had cancer or has cancer right now. Everything we raise goes back to those in need, and it stays right here in Cass County,” said Darlene Powell, a member of the Cass County Cancer Service.

Powell said the Cancer Service plans to have at least 20 raffle prizes donated from various business in Cass County. Raffle buyers will have the opportunity to win prizes such as $400 cash, the 8.9 Kindle Fire HD or a $400 gift certificate from Imperial Furniture.

Tickets are $5 each or six for $25, and can be purchased at Imperial Furniture, the Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union or any Cass County Cancer Service member. Those interested in purchasing tickets can also call Maxine Ownby at (269) 782-2033 or Darlene Powell at (269) 782-8490.

Winning tickets will be pulled prior to the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Dowagiac on Dec. 6.