Autoland Jacksonville’s Fiat 500 raffle crowns winner at Elevation Community School Fall Festival

Autoland Jacksonville donated a Fiat 500 as the grand prize for Elevation Community School’s Autumn Festival on Oct. 24 in Jacksonville, where organizers said turnout was the largest since the event began in 2009. Kristina, a parent at the school, won the raffle as the dealership highlighted its community giving and local partnerships.

Why it matters: - The raffle tied a local business donation to a school fundraiser that supported Elevation Community School’s charitable initiative. - The event brought families, students, neighbors and vendors together for a free community festival in Jacksonville. - Autoland Jacksonville used the festival to spotlight its broader community involvement beyond car sales.

What happened: - Elevation Community School held its Autumn Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2636 New Berlin Road in Jacksonville. - Autoland Jacksonville donated a Fiat 500 as the main raffle prize. - Kristina, a parent at Elevation Community School and a local stay-at-home mom, won the grand prize. - Andrey Zaharchenya, owner and CEO of Autoland Jacksonville, presented Kristina with the keys to a yellow Fiat 500.

The details: - Organizers said the festival had the largest turnout since the tradition began in 2009. - The Fall Festival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offered free admission. - Activities included a western-themed escape room, children’s train rides, face painting, games, crafts, photo booths, prizes and a bounce house. - Local folk musicians performed throughout the day. - Families also visited vendor stands, bought fresh grilled food and bought coffee from Cup of Jobe. - The pumpkin patch remained a main attraction for photos and seasonal memories. - Visitors could buy decorative souvenir pumpkins or standard pumpkins to support the school’s community-focused programming. - Autoland Jacksonville also displayed a yellow Corvette Z51 at its festival stand. - The dealership invited guests to take photos and learn about its charitable and community involvement. - The raffle was run by Elevation Community School administrative staff with help from volunteers. - A total of 128 participants bought raffle tickets between Oct. 15 and Oct. 24. - The top supporter purchased 70 tickets. - Volunteers placed every ticket in one clear draw box and mixed it in front of the crowd. - Three volunteers each selected one winning ticket on stage at about 2:30 p.m. - Additional prizes included a full family photoshoot from Brittney Lee Photography and a residential pressure washing service from State Line Pressure Washing.

Between the lines: - Autoland Jacksonville’s donation showed how a dealership can use a community event to build goodwill while supporting a local school fundraiser. - The range of donated prizes suggests the festival drew on a network of local businesses willing to contribute to the event’s appeal. - The company framed the partnership as part of a larger commitment to Jacksonville charities, schools and family-focused programs.

What's next: - Autoland Jacksonville said it will continue supporting local organizations, neighborhood programs and public schools across Jacksonville. - The dealership plans to keep participating in sponsorships, donations and community initiatives. - Elevation Community School is expected to continue its pumpkin patch and Fall Festival tradition as a seasonal community event.