GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — A nation wide raffle began today for a 2026 Traverse city Getaway, all to raise money for Project Purple, a nonprofit dedicated to pancreatic cancer research and patient support. The raffle was created in memory of Lou Ann Bogart, who had a lifelong love for Traverse City.

She lived there during her younger years and returned often for the fresh air, vineyards, and community spirit that made the region so special to her.

Lou Ann was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on the first day of her retirement in March 2025 and passed away just four months later.

Raffle organizer Rachel Toward knew Lou Ann for years, and says the prizes are all inspired by Lou Ann

Rachel tells us “a loft at the Grand Traverse Commons. So you’ll have accommodations for the weekend.

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