Lotto Alaska Winner Makes Historic Donation to Support Youth & Families

HOMER, ALASKA – The Homer Foundation is thrilled to announce an extraordinary $1.2 million gift
from the Jules, Dawn, and Joe Ravin family. Established in 1991 as Alaska’s first community foundation, this is the Foundation’s first million-dollar gift from an individual.

Local resident and small business owner Jules Ravin won over $13 million in the Lotto Alaska
“Chase the Ace” drawing on August 4. Ravin is only the fourth multi-million-dollar winner in Lotto Alaska’s history. According to Stosh Solski of Lotto Alaska, most people have no idea what to do with such a windfall- but once the shock wore off, the Ravin family knew exactly what they wanted to do.

“We love Homer, and we’re so grateful to the community that has supported our family all these
years. We want to give back, especially by helping young families the way we were helped,” said Jules Ravin. The Ravin Community Fund for Youth Programming will provide support for youth activities, including after-school programs. “We trust our local community foundation to help us realize this dream. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s for the kids, their families, and our community. We hope everyone will be inspired to join us to keep growing the fund and create something truly
special.”

Stacey Schultz, Executive Director of The Homer Foundation, emphasized how inspiring the Ravins’
story is to the entire community. “They could have done anything with this, but their first thought was to give back to their community and create an example that can inspire others. This speaks not only to the character of the Ravin family but also to the character of the Homer area community.”
Since winning the Lotto Alaska, not much has changed for the Ravins. Jules is still running his business, Dawn recently retired, and Joe will continue working as a local wilderness guide. “I have a wife who
loves me, a son who loves his parents, a house with a view, and I own my business. If we hadn’t won, we’d still be happy in Homer,” said Jules Ravin.

Located in Homer, Alaska, the Homer Foundation was established in 1991 as Alaska’s first Community
Foundation. The Homer Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the greater Homer area by promoting philanthropic and charitable activities. One the past 33 years, the Homer Foundation has awarded over $5.6 million in grants and scholarships across the Southern Kenai Peninsula -from Ninilchik to Nanwalek and everywhere in-between.