Win Amazing Prizes While Supporting the Fight Against Cancer
Join the Closer to Free Ride Fundraiser Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of 20 incredible prizes valued at more than $1,275—while helping support life-saving cancer care and research at Smilow Cancer Research Center and Yale New Haven Hospital.
Until entries close — September 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Prizes up for grabs
Total approximate prize value
Of donations benefit the ride
Two ways to enter
Option 1: Donate & Enter
For every $10 donated, you'll receive one sweepstakes entry — up to a maximum of 20 entries per person.
| Donation Amount | Entries Received |
|---|---|
| $10 | 1 Entry |
| $50 | 5 Entries |
| $100 | 10 Entries |
| $200 | 20 Entries (Maximum) |
Maximum of 20 entries per person, across all entry methods combined.
Donate NowOption 2: Free Mail-In Entry
No donation is required to participate. Simply hand-print your:
- Full Name
- Mailing Address
- Email Address
- Phone Number
On a 3" x 5" card and mail it to:
Frank Soltesz
57 Hidden Valley Drive
Meriden, CT 06451
Mail-in entries must be received by September 19, 2026.
Mark your calendar
| Sweepstakes Opens | March 9, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Sweepstakes Closes | September 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET |
| Winners Selected | On or before September 26, 2026 |
| Winner Notification | Via email, using the address provided at entry |
Cancer affects nearly every family in some way
When you participate in this fundraiser, you're helping support the mission of the Closer to Free Ride, which raises funds for:
- Cancer research
- Patient care programs
- Innovative treatments
- Life-saving medical advancements
100% of donations benefit the Closer to Free Ride in support of Smilow Cancer Research Center and Yale New Haven Hospital.
Prize Pool
$1,275
across 20 prizes donated by local Connecticut businesses.
See the full prize list →20 prizes, donated by our sponsors
Every prize below was generously donated by a local business. Visit our Sponsors page to see everyone who made this possible.
| # | Business | Prize | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dietrich Gardens | $100 worth of flowers | $100 |
| 2 | Target | Gift card | $100 |
| 3 | Target | Gift card | $100 |
| 4 | Target | Gift card | $100 |
| 5 | Viron Rondo Osteria | Gift card | $100 |
| 6 | Whole Foods Market | Movie night basket | $100 |
| 7 | Whole Foods Market | Grilling basket | $100 |
| 8 | Rogers Orchards | Family 4-pack apple picking | $75 |
| 9 | Stop & Shop | Gift card | $75 |
| 10 | Topps Market – Plantsville | Gift card | $75 |
| 11 | Country Flower Farms | $50 worth of flowers | $50 |
| 12 | Shake Shack | Gift card | $50 |
| 13 | Stop & Shop | Gift card | $50 |
| 14 | Tiara Nails | Gift card | $50 |
| 15 | Vespucci's Restaurant | Gift card | $30 |
| 16 | Illiano's | Gift card | $20 |
| 17 | Napoli Pizza Restaurant | Gift card | $25 |
| 18 | Stop & Shop | Gift card | $25 |
| 19 | Vespucci's Restaurant | Gift card | $25 |
| 20 | Wood 'n' Tap | Gift card | $25 |
| Total — 20 Prizes | $1,275 | ||
Gift card prizes will be mailed to winners at no cost. Certain gift basket prizes require local pickup and may be substituted with a prize of comparable value for non-local winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a donation to enter?
No. A free mail-in entry option is available, and no purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win.
Does donating more increase my chances of winning?
Each $10 donation earns one entry, up to a maximum of 20 entries per person.
How many winners will there be?
20 winners will be selected through a random drawing.
How are winners chosen?
All winners are selected by random drawing. This sweepstakes is entirely chance-based.
Can prizes be shipped?
Gift card prizes will be mailed to winners at no cost. Certain gift basket prizes require local pickup and may be substituted with a prize of comparable value for non-local winners.
What are my chances of winning?
Odds of winning are based on the number of prizes and entries. See official rules for odds of winning.
Read the full Official Sweepstakes Rules for complete eligibility and legal terms.
Ready to enter?
Donate to earn entries and support the ride, or mail in a free entry — either way, thank you for being part of this.