Randall Cox was announced as the lucky winner of the ‘Raffle for a Cause’ (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
Following the thrilling Chicago Football Classic, where Morehouse won over Kentucky State, the excitement continued with the announcement of the raffle winner of another important event.
The Chicago Football Classic, in partnership with Sherman Dodge, hosted a ‘Raffle for a Cause’ at Sherman Dodge in Skokie on Oct. 2.
The event brought together local leaders and organizations to celebrate as the proceeds benefited the Annual Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, which benefits needy students.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the Chicago Football Classic’s mission to support education and community empowerment through sports and scholarship opportunities.
The raffle prize? A stunning 2023 Jeep Wrangler 392 featuring a striking yellow exterior and black interior.
Key speakers at the event included Larry Huggins, co-founder of the Chicago Football Classic; Commissioner Josina Morita of the 13th District; Rev. Walter Turner and Ald. William Hall (6th).
They all gathered at the press conference to announce the winner, which turned out to be Randall Cox.
The Raffle Winner Shares His Excitement
Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders
Cox (Homewood-Flossmoor), the lucky winner, expressed his surprise and gratitude.
He was in disbelief after receiving the call that he won.
“I never expected to win,” he shared. “But someone had to, and I was fortunate enough to be that person. I feel very blessed.”
Cox added, “I bought the raffle ticket to support the scholarship fund and help students pursue a college education. It feels amazing to be part of such a worthy cause.”
He also explained that it was about supporting a cause he deeply believes in. “The person who sold me the ticket mentioned the scholarship program, and I immediately wanted to help,” Cox said. “I always try to support education, especially scholarships for working-class students. I was lucky enough to attend college and wanted to give back.”
He also gave some advice to the younger generation.
“Not everyone has to go to college, but if you do, make sure it’s something you enjoy. It’s not just about the money; it’s about doing something you love. I want everyone to strive for excellence through college or another path.”
When asked about his thoughts on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Cox praised them for their impact. “HBCUs are doing great work, and I’m impressed by how they’ve helped so many students of color. I went to Southern Illinois University, but I admire what HBCUs have accomplished.
Larry Huggins Reflects on the Raffle’s Impact
Larry Huggins, co-founder of the Chicago Football Classic, highlighted the significance of the proceeds from this year’s raffle, stating, “The proceeds from this car go directly toward the Educational Fund, allowing us to give away $400,000 in scholarships each year. This is in addition to the scholarships students receive from the College Fair, which typically results in over a million dollars in on-site scholarships. Considering this game’s tremendous impact on students here in Chicago, it’s truly remarkable.”
Huggins also highlighted the continued support of Sherman Dodge, who has been instrumental in maintaining the tradition of raffling off a vehicle each year. “That will continue,” he said. “We’ve had three past winners of Jeep vehicles at today’s event— It’s worth noting that African Americans have been fortunate enough to win these raffles, and we’re extremely proud of that. It shows the strong connection between the Chicago Football Classic and corporate sponsors committed to investing in our community. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure these opportunities remain available.”
Looking Ahead to the Future of the CFC
Reflecting on the legacy of the Chicago Football Classic, Huggins expressed pride in the event’s growth. “This game has been going strong for 26 years now, and in that time, we’ve seen close to $40 million invested back into the community. It’s like a savings account—those dollars add up yearly and make a lasting impact.”
He described this year’s game as one of the most thrilling in the event’s history. “The game was won in the last 10 seconds! The last few games have all been decided in the final moments, adding excitement and bringing more people out to support the event. Jackson State and Hampton University will play at Soldier Field in 2025, and we expect over 62,000 fans.”
With a permanent date for the game now secured, Huggins looks forward to expanding the event’s reach. “We can start booking schools far in advance and work on long-term contracts. This will give us the time to promote the game throughout the year, helping us grow the Chicago Football Classic even further. We aim to make this game as big as the Bayou Classic, played yearly between Southern and Grambling in New Orleans.”
Huggins noted that next year’s raffle vehicle details may be a monetary prize, but it has yet to be finalized.
Even though the game and raffle are done, the mission of the CFC continues year-round.
Ongoing Engagement and Community Support
LaToyia Huggins (daughter of Larry Huggins) highlighted the importance of the CFC doing community outreach and engaging with local schools. She wants more high schools, junior colleges, and universities in the area to participate in the Chicago Football Classic.
“They can always reach us through our website for updates,” she said. “However, we will host more events and community initiatives throughout the year to keep everyone engaged and excited for the game.”
She highlighted the college fair’s success, attracting many students eager to connect with and prepare for their futures.
Huggins also praised the car raffle’s direct support for the scholarship fund, noting its rewarding impact on community members like Mr. Cox, who contributed $100 to help HBCU students and ended up winning.
“It’s a perfect example of how small contributions can lead to significant outcomes. The Chicago Football Classic has become a major pipeline for HBCU talent and recruitment, showcasing the power of community support.”
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