LEWISTON, ID — Dozens of public schools from across north-central Idaho will gather in Lewiston on Tuesday for the Idaho Lottery’s annual Scratch for Schools fundraising competition.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, at the West Auxiliary Gym on the Lewis-Clark State College campus, located just west of the LCSC Activity Center. Media arrival is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the competition beginning at 4:20 p.m.

The fundraiser brings together administrators, teachers, and school staff to compete in what organizers describe as the “fastest five-minute fundraiser in Idaho.” Participating schools are each given a full pack of lottery scratch tickets and five minutes to scratch as many as possible. Schools with the fastest results can advance to a final round and win additional prize money for their classrooms or school programs.

Organizers say schools could win up to $1,100, with funds typically used for items such as playground equipment, library books, or classroom technology.

More than 150 educators and school staff members are expected to participate, collectively scratching thousands of tickets during the competition. Participants often wear costumes and display school spirit, creating a high-energy atmosphere for the event.

According to the Idaho Lottery, the Lewiston event will include 51 participating schools from communities across north-central Idaho, including Lewiston, Moscow, Orofino, Grangeville, Kamiah, Lapwai, and surrounding areas.

The Lewiston event is one of 11 Scratch for Schools competitions held statewide this year. The Idaho Lottery says the program has returned more than $2 million to public education since it began 25 years ago.

The Idaho Lottery was established in 1989 and says proceeds from ticket sales help support Idaho public schools and the state’s permanent building fund.