Perhaps inline with some of the comments above. . . I find the idea of a raffle with prizes as childish and unnecessary to get the for average adult to come out and learn for an hour or so. Tangentially, I find the focus on small stipends for learning (excluding those in kollel/chinuch using it to support their family), the focus on prizes in chinese auctions, etc somewhat distasteful too.
Can't most adults be expected to do something small for Hashem, or at least have the belief He will reward us, without the presence of a shiny prize/incentive dangling in front of us. (And if you personally need the motivation, reward your self with your own incentives, to develop discipline).
Moreover, I guess I wonder if these incentives might be corrupting our values, and distracting us from focusing on having a stronger/richer relationship with Hashem (a little more lishma)?
If we (proverbially) put ourselves in Hashem's shoes for a moment . . . . , How would we value an act of modest sacrifice/dedication done for us, by a loved one, if done without any promise of incentive, vs. one done for us motivated by a defined external shiny incentive?
Rachmana Liba Bo'ee.
P.s. I once spoke to an expert mechanech about how to make sure contests/prizes for children build intrinsic motivation over the long-term rather than a focus on the prizes and rewards. He said the prizes should not be so large as to become the main focus in the child's mind, just the sweetner to help get over the hurdles.
