Ticket holders whose number was taken out of the raffle were still eligible for door prizes.

TIFTON — The Tifton Museum of Arts and Heritage held a Tuscany or Ten fundraiser gala on Apr. 26 at the museum.

Administrative coordinator Joy Yost said this gala revived an old tradition that had begun when the museum was first established approximately 20 years ago.

“We brought it back last year for the 20th anniversary and are hoping it will continue to be an annual event,” Yost said.

The theme of the event revolved around the grand prize — a choice between a seven night stay in Tuscany for four or a $10,000 cash prize. Tickets were $125 each for the reverse raffle.

Ticket numbers were placed on a board and were taken out of the running if they were pulled from the pot until the last ticket was left. The winner, Carol Cooksey, chose the cash prize.

Yost said that the museum then auctioned off two trips to Tuscany as well, with Carolyn Bowen and Lisa Kent winning the lively auction.

The gala raised about $30,000 for the event to go towards the museum, according to Yost. The funds will go towards paying for the exhibits, classes, community outreach events, the annual artists’ market, kids events and maintenance and upkeep for the historic building.

“We raised more money than we did last year, so we’re really pleased,” said Yost. “Everybody had a good time and it was very well attended.”

Yost said they really appreciate the community involvement and support.

“The big encouraging thing is we’re starting to see more people come in,” Yost said. “We’re starting to extend our reach. I love seeing the whole community get involved and get behind it.”

Sponsors for the event were Georgia Crown Distributing Company, South Georgia Banking Company, Southwest Georgia Bank, Synovus and Tift Regional Health System.