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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- A first-ever raffle has been organized to benefit parks and recreation programs in Illinois.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation and the Friends of Illinois Parks are offering the "Illinois Sportsman's and Parks Raffle" with a $100,000 first-place prize.

Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and are available from both organizations.

The grand prize - along with other cash prizes - will be presented at a drawing on May 14.

Additional "early bird" prizes will be awarded for tickets drawn on five dates in February, March and April.

Proceeds will support programs in local park districts, forest preserve districts and recreation agencies.

Also benefiting will be youth outdoor recreation and natural resources protection programs throughout Illinois. 

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On the Net: www.isp-raffle.com 

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