Record Raffle cash prize for XXXX Derby
Whatever happens on the field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night, there will be another HUGE winner emerging from the Cowboys v Broncos clash.
While the Cowboys Community Foundation has set a record $20,000 guaranteed minimum cash prize for their final 50-50 Charity Raffle draw of the season, presented by Green Energy Technologies, the goal is to sell $60,000 in tickets and give away $30,000 – the largest ever winner’s cheque.
“The XXXX Derby is traditionally the biggest home game of the regular season for us and with a huge crowd expected, we think we’re well placed for a record raffle,” said Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling.
“Cowboys members, fans and the wider community have been incredibly supportive of our 50-50 Charity Raffle so far this season with 386,000 tickets purchased at the ground through our volunteer sellers or online.
“We’ve given away just under $235,000 in prize winnings across 11 home games which has smashed last year’s prize pool by almost $100,000
“Importantly, the other half raised has gone towards our education-based programs like NRL Cowboys House and our Try for 5! school attendance challenge,” Fiona said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our community for getting behind this really important fundraiser for us – whether that be buying tickets or volunteering to sell them at the games - every ticket sold truly makes a difference.”
The previous highest guaranteed prize has been $15,000, with the largest ever cash prize of $29,993 won at last year’s home final against the Knights.
Joanne Wheeler was the lucky winner of $23,000 in the Round 19 raffle draw in 2025.
She and her husband John have been Cowboys members for 30 years and amazingly won the 50-50 Charity Raffle on the rare occasion they couldn’t make it to the game.
“We’ve been coming since the very first Cowboys game – 30 years we’ve been members, and we still hate it when they lose and love it when they win but I do intend to go to another grand final with them,” Joanne said.
“I buy tickets in the raffle every home game cause it’s a great prize for the winner and even if you don’t win, you know half the money is going to charity which I really love.
“It was a huge shock when I got the phone call because John was actually unwell and we couldn’t make it to the Bulldogs game, so it was the first time I have actually ever bought my tickets online and thank goodness I did!”
50-50 Charity Raffle tickets are available until the end of NRL half time either at the game or online now: here.
The Cowboys Community Foundation is the community arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys. It improves employment, health and social outcomes through education-based programs.
For more information on becoming a volunteer visit the Cowboys Community Foundation website.
