Fueling the next generation of Champions
This is your chance to turn your basketball bracket skills into a win for you and a massive win for Cincinnati's youth.
1. How to Enter
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Step 1: Buy Your Tickets – Entry is $20 per bracket submission- LINK BELOW!
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Step 2: Submit Your Bracket – Once you have paid, head to the ESPN Tournament Site and join our official group.
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Group Name: Feed the Soul 2026
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Password: Fuel4Focus
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2. The Winning Split (50/50 Model)
Every dollar raised is split down the middle:
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50% to The Mission: This portion goes directly to our student-led nutrition programs (POP, Level the Field, Healthy Holidays and To The Rescue)
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50% to The Winners: The remaining half of the total pot is distributed among the top brackets:
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🥇 1st Place: 70% of the prize pool
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🥈 2nd Place: 20% of the prize pool
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🥉 3rd Place: 10% of the prize pool
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3. Tournament Timeline
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March 3rd: Ticket sales officially begin.
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March 15th: Selection Sunday (Brackets are live!).
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March 19th (12:00 PM EST): Brackets close—be sure to submit yours before tip-off.
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After Championship Game: Winners will be calculated and announced!
4. Why it Matters: Fueling Champions
At Feed the Soul, we believe in fueling a healthy future for tomorrow's champions.
Your participation supports students in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky by providing the essential B6 and vital nutrients they need for focus, memory, and emotional regulation in the classroom.
5. Purchase your Split the Pot Ticket
Amount
$20
Other
THE FINE PRINT
Eligibility:
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Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
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FTS Charity will confirm all ESPN bracket submissions with ticket purchases.
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Ties will result in an even split of the 1st, 2nd or 3rd place position in which the tie occurred
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Winners to be paid via Venmo or Zelle within 24 hours of Championship game
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Winners must submit verification of Split the Pot ticket purchases and their winning bracket
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Tax Responsibility: The winner is responsible for all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.
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IRS Requirements: Per IRS regulations, if the prize exceeds $600,
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Feed the Soul is required to issue a Form 1099-MISC to the winner. For prizes over $5,000,
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FTS is required to withhold federal taxes before distribution.
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Non-Deductibility: Per IRS rules, the purchase of a raffle or "Split the Pot" ticket is not considered a tax-deductible donation because it involves the chance to win a prize.