Raffle aims to buy ‘New Lungs 4 Chuck’

Chuck Campbell is your typical everyman: a loving husband and father of four who’s devoted his time coaching his daughters’ softball teams and traveling with his family. A hard-working sales manager at Pohanka of Salisbury, he has managed to demonstrate his charm and good nature to hundreds. But now, $50 can help make sure he doesn’t lose all that he has and could perhaps give you all you ever wanted.

In 2005, Campbell was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive disease that affects the lungs and worsens with time. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. Without a double-lung transplant, Campbell will not survive. Simple tasks, like climbing stairs and running errands have become taxing burdens, plaguing his life. So friends and family decided to take a stand.

“New Lungs 4 Chuck,” a nonprofit organization begun at the multi-franchise auto dealer Pohanka of Salisbury, where Campbell works, is selling 40,000 $50 raffle tickets, each offering a chance to win both a golf-course townhome in Sarasota, Fla., and a brand new Mercedes Benz SL convertible.

“It’s been very heartwarming,” said organizer Chris Hagel, who also works for the dealership. “It’s been an incredible experience since we started ‘New Lungs 4 Chuck,’ but we’re still a far way away from our goal.”

Campbell’s medical insurance will cover roughly $80,000 of the double-lung transplant costs, but the procedure typically runs around $550,000. The transplant center has recommended the organization raise $1 million, however, to cover Campbell’s future costs, including prescriptions and follow-up procedures.

New Lungs 4 Chuck, and its raffle, was started this March and will run until March 31, 2010. According to Hagel, who serves as the head organizer of the raffle, anticipated sales of 40,000 tickets will draw in the $2 million goal that will help save Campbell’s life and cover future expenses, as well. Of that money, $1 million is planned to go towards the charity; $400,000 will cover the investment in the grand prize and the remaining money, $600,000, will go to the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The toughest part is not getting people to take action and help, Hagel said, but getting the word out to as many people as possible. The momentum of the effort has slowed after the raffles initial stages, and the charity has yet to reach $4,000 in sales, but efforts are still being made to raise the money needed and the group plans to see it through.

“It really takes a lot of time,” Hagel said. “Raising $2 million is easy to say but not so easy to do. I’ve met hundreds and hundreds of people that have given us their prayers and well-wishes.”

Hagel has worked with local radio stations and has even begun a nationwide campaign, netting a slot last month on the CBS “Early Show,” and he is looking for more national exposure in the future.

“Chuck’s story has touched so many people,” said Hagel. “There are people who have been through something similar. There are families, some with members in the military, overseas, who are buying tickets and making donations, even when they have nothing. A lot of people are willing to just jump in and help.”

Raffle tickets are being sold locally, and Hagel and Campbell’s other supporters are determined to reach their goal.

“It’s a long, hard road,” said Hagel, “but we’ve allowed ourselves enough time. It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but a matter of ‘when.’”

Tickets are available by visiting the Pohanka dealership in Salisbury or by calling (410) 548-3411. Additional information about the Sarasota townhome on the Palm Aire Golf Course and the Mercedes Benz SL can be found on the organization’s Web site, at www.fiftydollarhouseandcar.com. There is even a bio, where people can meet Chuck and come to understand his condition a little better.

“None of this would be possible without the owner of Pohanka,” noted Hagel. “Sandy Fitzgerald has had this dream of helping nonprofit organizations and touching those who need it most. She talked to me this past February and said to me, ‘We have to find a way to raise this money for Chuck.’”

A multitude of fundraisers have already taken place, and plenty more are scheduled, from dinners and events at area restaurants and bars to car shows. Supporters can check in on the foundation’s Web site to keep up with approaching fundraisers or call Pohanka of Salisbury for more information.

“The raffle sells itself and, at the same time, it’s helping to save someone’s life,” emphasized Hagel. “We need all the support we can get from people.”