Aired March 29, 2026: 

It's happening!!! The 17th annual Dream Big Raffle, where Special Olympics Southern California is raffling off cars, vacations, more than 2800 prizes including… a HOUSE or 1 million dollars and it's ALL to help fuel essential programs for athletes and their families. In this podcast, Lisa Foxx interviews the CEO of SOSC, Kelly Pond to discuss all the ways this incredible fundraiser makes a difference for so many! 

Visit S-O-S-C.org or socalraffle.com OR call 800.816.6108 to learn more about the Dream Big Raffle, its prizes, early bird deadlines and how to purchase your tickets today.

The Dream Big Raffle will benefit thousands of athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and has become Special Olympics Southern California’s biggest and most impactful fundraiser. Prizes include the grand prize of a luxury home or $1 million, cars, vacation packages, electronics and cash- there are weekly “add-on” drawings for $10,000! Individual tickets are $150; you can also purchase bundles of tickets at discounted prices. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund competitions, health screenings, leadership classes, sporting equipment, uniforms, coach training, travel expenses and more. For most families, participation in sporting organizations would be financially impossible. Since its inception in 1968 by Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California participation has been free of charge.

ABOUT THE HOUSE: The 2026 Grand Prize is a resort-inspired retreat in the exclusive Calabasas Mountain Park Estates, a private, gated community in Calabasas, California. Overlooking the sweeping Santa Monica Mountains, this 5,000-square-foot custom home offers six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and elevated craftsmanship throughout.  From the dramatic entryway and gourmet chef’s kitchen to the spa-style bathrooms, vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors, every aspect reflects refined artistry and close attention to detail. The backyard is a true showstopper, featuring a custom infinity pool, hot tub, and fireside lounge with panoramic canyon views.

⦁     Special Olympics changes the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports…and so much more.

⦁     Special Olympics Southern California offers free sports programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities all year-round.

⦁     Special Olympics Southern California programs help athletes improve their health and self-esteem and find a place of belonging.

When they touch one athlete’s life, it has a ripple effect that positively affects families, volunteers, their coaches, schools and entire communities.

Special Olympics Southern California also offers:

⦁     Healthy Athletes: Free health and dental screenings for all athletes.

⦁      Special Olympics is the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities, offering free health services for a population with significant unmet health needs.

⦁     Unified Champion Schools: Special Olympics brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together to participate in unified sports, as well as social and community activities that foster understanding and an inclusion environment. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools activates youth, engages educators and promotes communities of acceptance and inclusion where all young people are agents of change.

⦁     For every Unified Champion School, there are approximately 40 more schools that could be building an inclusive culture.

⦁     Athlete leadership: Special Olympics Southern California offers athletes the opportunity to grow their leadership skills, whether it be through coaching, becoming an official, a spokesperson or Board or Committee member.

⦁     Example: athletes recently traveling to Sacramento to meet with their state legislators.

⦁     Youth Leadership: Special Olympics funds programs for students with and without intellectual disabilities to work together to lead and plan advocacy, awareness, and other Special Olympics and related inclusive activities throughout the school year.

⦁     Visit SoCalRaffle.com to purchase your tickets today!⦁     Become a volunteer- a coach, a referee, or a unified player.⦁     Come to a game!  The summer games are rapidly approaching- come cheer on your local athletesand teams!  Visit S-O-S-C.ORG to find an event near you.