TROY — The Troy Historic Preservation Alliance (THPA) is raising money to help cover their ongoing operational costs.

THPA is a relatively new organization in Troy. Recently classified as a 501 c(3) organization, THPA’s members dedicate their time and energy into preserving and restoring historical buildings in downtown Troy and educating the public on their cultural importance.

In the 1970s, the center square of Troy was added to the National Register of Historic Places, but the group seeks to expand that designation outward to preserve more of the downtown area buildings.

“We want to start proactively preserving these buildings rather than handling things in a reactive manner by appealing when somebody applies to tear them down,” said THPA activist Ben Sutherly.

THPA has been working to stop the demolition of a building at 112-118 W. Main Street that dates back to the 1800s. That case is currently in the Miami County Common Pleas Court.

To raise money for their advocacy and educational efforts, the group is holding a raffle. Tickets can be purchased at www.thpatroy.org. They are $10 each or 6 for $50 and can be purchased through Tuesday, March 8. Prizes, donated by the community, include a Nintendo Switch game console, a 58-inch Vizio television, $100 cash prize, and more. All proceed go towards advancing THPA’s mission of preserving historical buildings.

“Our historical downtown has really been on an upswing over the last several decades. And that can largely be attributed to the beauty, character, and unique feel of it. A lot of the investment happens as a result of that,” said Sutherly on the importance of his groups work.

Results from the raffle will be livestreamed from the THPA Facebook page on Wednesday, March 9.