Santa Maria, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/22/2011 -- The Support Our Schools (SOS) Car Raffle for 2011 had an amazing success this year. With a total of nine local schools and organizations, the same number of participants from last year, and a much stronger need to succeed, the outcome was more than expected.

The Central Coast SOS Car Raffle in Santa Maria allows the local car dealerships the opportunity to give back to the community and local schools. Toyota & Scion of Santa Maria, Honda of Santa Maria, Home Motors Chevrolet & Cadillac, and BMW of Santa Maria all joined together to provide an easy and simple fundraiser for area schools to raise money. The raffle tickets are sold for $20 by each school and all money raised stays with each school, the cars raffled off are simply donated by the dealerships. The best part, the winner of the area wide raffle is given a choice, either a new car or a large cash prize.

For 2011, our area schools raised over $103,900 in all; passing last year’s total of $85,000. The schools that participated were: St. Joseph High School, Righetti High School, Pacific Christian School, La Purisima School, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Lakeview Junior High, St. Mary’s School, Children’s House Montessori, and Pioneer Valley High School. The winner of this year’s raffle chose the cash prize, and though asked to remain anonymous, is very thankful for this fundraiser during the Holiday Season.

During these difficult times, with school budget cuts and other difficulties school officials face, the community support can be an overwhelming relief. This event, which started in 2006, allows the community to take a step forward and provide much-needed resources to the local schools.

Thank you to everyone who organized, participated, and supported the 2011 Central Coast Support Our Schools Car Raffle.

For more information about the SOS Car Raffle contact BMW of Santa Maria or go to their website at http://bmwsm.com.