MARSHALL, Minn. - The 23^rd annual Mustang Gold Rush Raffle, sponsored by the Mustang Club, was held on Friday, Feb. 6, inside the R/A Facility on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University. This year's event sold out with all 700 tickets purchased and more than 300 SMSU supporters attending.
 
Though final numbers are not complete, this year's raffle is expected to raise $100,000 from ticket sales, online and live auction and other fundraising games throughout the evening. In its 23 years, the Gold Rush Raffle has raised more than $1,000,000. All proceeds from the Gold Rush Raffle help fund the SMSU student-athlete scholarship program through the Mustang Club.
 
Five individuals were the big winners in the reverse raffle with Tyler Peschong, Deb Kerkaert and Patty Groff each taking home $1,000, while Desiree Petrich finished in second place winning $2,000. Jason Buysse had the final ticket taking home the grand prize of $5,000.
 
The SMSU athletics department and the Mustang Club would like to thank everyone that supported this tremendous event through ticket sales and to all those individuals and local businesses for their donations. This event would not be possible without the wonderful community support.
 
The date for the 24^th annual Gold Rush Raffle will Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027.
 
2026 Gold Rush Raffle Cash Prize Winners 
$5,000 winner: Jason Buysse
$2,000 winners: Desiree Petrich
$1,000 winners: Tyler Peschong, Deb Kerkaert, Patty Groff
 
$500 winner: Dan Nesdahl
 
$100 winners: Lee Raske, Heather Webskowski, Rob Hennen, Vicki Meulebroeck, Gina Meulebroeck, Scott Mauch, Bethany Schafer
 
*Cash winners will be mailed a check from the SMSU Foundation