MTA beef and pork raffle raises funds for United Way

MAT-SU -- The eighth annual Beef and Pork Raffle, held by Matanuska Telephone Association Inc., raised $5,765 for donation to the United Way of Mat-Su.

One cow and one hog were bought by MTA from the Mat-Su 4H Club earlier this year for the raffle. Winners were awarded either a quarter of beef or a half a hog.

"This allows us to support the local 4H and donate it back to the United Way," said MTA CEO Greg Berberich at last week's Palmer Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where the drawing was held.

United Way of Mat-Su has raised 50 percent of its $500,000 goal, 2003 campaign chair for United Way of Mat-Su Mimi Pippel said at the meeting.

The funds raised go directly back into the Valley community, with 19 local nonprofit agencies receiving help from the money raised.

"These are your friends, these are your neighbors, these are your family," Pippel said.

The Palmer Chamber of Commerce donates the use of their raffle permit for the event each year.

The meat will be butchered and wrapped for each of the winners.