Two dinners at a downtown Ellijay fine dining establishment will be raffled off for a fundraiser benefitting the Gilmer Learning Center.
The adult learning center, located on Southside Church Street next to the Gilmer County Health Department, will be selling the raffle tickets from Aug. 25-Sept. 28.
Two winners will be chosen to receive dinner at Emily’s Bar and Restaurant. Each prize is valued at $200, noted Jim Paukert, the learning center’s director.
“Emily’s would be a noteworthy restaurant anywhere, and we are lucky to have it in our small town. The raffle winners can expect a spectacular meal in a wonderful atmosphere, all carefully crafted under the personal attention of the owners, Rolf and Marina,” he added.
Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be used to support the center’s GED certification and English as a Second Language (EAASL) programs. Winners will be drawn Wednesday, Sept. 29.
Paukert said the nonprofit learning center has helped almost 1,100 adults earn diplomas by assisting them in study and preparation for their GED exams. Hundreds have also become more proficient in speaking English by participating in the center’s EAASL program, he added.
“In total, over 5,000 Gilmer residents have used GLC to attain higher literacy and/or educational levels,” Paukert said.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Center or by mail. They are $20 each. Checks should be made payable to Gilmer Learning Center. Envelopes should be addressed to: Gilmer Learning Center, 30 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. Ticket buyers should also include the correct mailing address where they want their raffle ticket(s) to be sent.
The learning center, which serves clients age 18 and up, is currently open by appointment only. Available hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday- Thursday, Paukert said.
“We do it by appointment as a COVID measure. It gives us a way to manage how many people are there at any given time. If we have no appointments set, we usually close until the next appointment,” he added.