A raffle is not only a way of raising cash so that clubs can book decent guest artists - it's a social thing, a part of the evening which can be light-hearted and a bit of light entertainment in the middle of the performing. If the MC is good at his/her job, the raffle can be good fun, with banter and jokes. A good folk club is more than just the music - it's an evening of communal fun and good fellowship.

In any case, I'm biased, 'cos I won a bottle of Cote du Rhone at the Elephant & Castle in Lewes!