5th Annual Strings for Dreams Bluegrass Raffle

5th Annual Strings for Dreams Bluegrass Raffle Buy tickets here!

The IBMA Foundation is excited to announce the 5th annual Strings for Dreams Bluegrass Raffle, launching April 1, 2025. This year’s prize is a 1980 Deering Advanced Maple Blossom banjo, generously donated by John Marchi and valued at $2,200. Mr. Marchi purchased the banjo in 1980, and he is the only previous owner. Raffle tickets will be available from April 1 – 30, 2025. Tickets start at $20 each, with no limit on the number of chances an individual may purchase. Raffle tickets are available at this link from April 1, (12 a.m. ET) through April 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).

A cherished model among bluegrass musicians, the Deering Advanced Maple Blossom banjo features a stunning maple neck and resonator, delivering the crisp, bright tone that Deering banjos are known for. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a collector, this vintage instrument is a fantastic prize.

Supporting the Next Generation of Bluegrass

Every raffle ticket purchase helps fund the IBMA Foundation’s mission to foster the growth of bluegrass music through educational programs, scholarships, and grants.

Proceeds support:

Bluegrass camps and afterschool programs
Educational bluegrass presentations in schools
College scholarships for students focusing on bluegrass-related studies
Bluegrass educational grants to help musicians with the expense of attending camps, lessons, educational supplies, and instrument rental/repair
The Arnold Shultz Fund, which encourages participation in bluegrass music by people of color
Bluegrass academic conferences, workshops, and research awards
Educational resources including the Discover Bluegrass: Exploring American Roots Music and the Bluegrass Stagecraft 101 video series
And more!

How to Enter

Buy tickets here! All donations welcome, as well. Restrictions and tax details:

IBMA Foundation board members, staff, and their immediate families or staff members are not allowed to participate. The drawing will be held in North Carolina and live-streamed on the IBMA Foundation Facebook page at noon ET on May 1, 2025. Although all proceeds benefit the IBMA Foundation, raffle ticket purchases are not tax-deductible per IRS regulations. If you prefer not to enter the raffle, you may choose to make a donation to the IBMA Foundation. Ticket purchasers will receive an emailed receipt with information for verification purposes. Purchasers must be living U.S. residents, and 18 years of age or older to participate and win. If fundraising raffles are illegal in your community, you will be unable to participate.