Budokan Announces Toyota Highlander Hybrid Winner

“Wow, I still can’t believe I won! I’m incredibly grateful and excited for such a grand prize,” exclaimed Maribeth Tinio of Brea, who won a 2017 Highlander Hybrid.

Maribeth Tinio, with husband John, is the new owner of a 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MSRP $47,870).

The car was donated by Toyota Motors USA to be used in a raffle to raise funds for Budokan, a $24 million sports and activities center to be built in Little Tokyo.

Alan Kosaka, chair of Budokan’s capital campaign committee, reported that $100,300 worth of raffle tickets were sold between April and November and the winner was picked from a drum containing over 10,000 stubs.

“We’re very grateful to the many sports and community organizations that took part in the selling of the raffle tickets,” said Kosaka.

Among the many groups who sold $10 tickets were Pasadena Bruins, Tigers Youth Club, Monterey Park Mustangs, OCO, Southern California Kendo Federation, Little Tokyo Historical Society and Nikkei Senior Gardens. Each nonprofit group earned $4 for their own organization for each $10 ticket sold.

“We are especially pleased to have developed new relationships with community groups and to strengthened goodwill through the raffle drive,” Kosaka concluded.

Tinio said, “I am expecting a baby boy and this will be the perfect car for our family. Thank you Toyota, Little Tokyo Service Center, and the Sabers Basketball Organization!” She added, “Budokan pictures look amazing. It will be such an asset to the community and the kids. Glad I could help in a small way.”

“Next year, we hope to reach even more people and look forward to many more groups participating in the raffle ticket sales to benefit their own organizations as well,” said Kim Kawasaki, community gifts manager for Budokan campaign.

For more information, visit www.budokanoflosangeles.com.