The National Court Reporters Foundation’s (NCRF) 2026 fundraising raffles once again proved that generosity and a little friendly excitement are a winning combination. Drawings held during the 2026 NCRA Conference & Expo in Bellevue, Wash., awarded three outstanding prizes while raising critical funds to support NCRF scholarships, grants, educational initiatives, and disaster relief programs.
Stenograph NexGen writer raffle
Stenograph generously donated a new NexGen writer valued at more than $5,000, making it one of NCRF’s most anticipated and successful annual fundraisers. Whether for a student, new professional, or seasoned reporter, the state-of-the-art writer represents the next generation of stenographic innovation.
Congratulations to Kim Furbacher, RDR, CRR, whose name was drawn as this year’s lucky winner.
Thaly Palanisamy, the president of Stenograph, said, “Our warmest congratulations to Kim Furbacher! Stenograph’s partnership with the National Court Reporters Foundation reflects our commitment to help students and emerging professionals access advancement opportunities. Investing in students today helps ensure a strong and vibrant future for the profession and supports our collective critical mission — empowering the creation and preservation of the verbatim record.”
“Cheers” to Tech and Treats raffle
Making its debut this year, the “Cheers” to Tech and Treats fundraiser combined premium wines, innovative technology, and everyday favorites into one exceptional prize package valued at more than $950.
The winning basket featured a Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 50-Year Anniversary bottle, a Sea Smoke Chardonnay, two 20 oz. NCRF Angel tumblers, a reMarkable tablet bundle complete with folio and Marker Plus with eraser, and two $50 Starbucks gift cards.
Congratulations to Melanie Humphrey-Sonntag, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, the winner of this raffle fundraiser.
“Creating and putting together the Tech and Treats basket with the huge help of our Angel Gatherers Committee members was so much fun,” said NCRF Trustees Chair-Elect Sandy Narup, RPR. “Knowing that so many of you purchased tickets to support our goal, the profession, and NCRF made it even better. Thank you all so much. We are already looking forward to creating the next one for Kansas City. I cannot wait to see you all again!”
Purse for a Purpose
Formerly known as Clutch for a Cause, this beloved NCRF fundraiser debuted its new name, Purse for a Purpose, while continuing the tradition of offering a stylish designer handbag in support of NCRF’s mission.
This year’s featured prize was a sophisticated MZ Wallace Crossbody bag crafted with glossy diamond-quilted nylon and signature hardware.
Congratulations to Alena Koumarianos, CRC, who took home this year’s fashionable prize.
“The wonderful court reporter who won, Alena, was so shy she hesitated to go up when her name was called as the winner of the purse,” said Early Langley, RMR, a sponsor of the raffle. “Finally, Jill [Landsman] found her and put her together with me and it was joyful. We were all so excited as she told us she needed a new purse. This was a total win-win! Thanks to all Purse for a Purpose raffle ticket buyers, too.”
NCRF’s annual raffles continue to be much more than exciting prize drawings. Every raffle ticket purchased directly supports the Foundation’s mission of investing in the future of the court reporting and captioning professions through scholarships, grants, educational programming, oral histories, and assistance for members impacted by natural disasters.
To everyone who purchased a raffle ticket, donated a prize, or helped promote this year’s fundraisers, thank you for making the 2026 raffles another tremendous success. Your support makes a lasting difference.
For questions or more information, contact NCRF Director Jill Parker Landsman at jlandsman@ncra.org or NCRF Manager Alex Vlahopoulos at avlahopoulos@ncra.org.
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