BOSTON -- Celtics fans will have the opportunity to win their own piece of championship hardware as the team is set to raffle off an authentic 2008 NBA Championship Ring between now and Feb. 3, 2009.

Fans can purchase $2 raffle tickets (minimum five tickets) for a chance to win. The winner will also receive four loge tickets to the Boston Celtics game at the TD Banknorth Garden on Feb. 5 where they will be presented with their championship ring, as well as a cash prize to cover the tax expenses associated with winning the ring.

In addition, the ring will be engraved with the winner's name. The proceeds from the raffle will go to the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation to help in continuing efforts to support children all over New England.

"The Celtics are very excited to be able to share our championship with our fans through this unique line of jewelry and charitable raffle," Celtics Team President Rich Gotham said in a press release.

The Boston Celtics 2008 Championship Rings are made of 14-karat white gold. The top of the ring features a genuine emerald shamrock, which was created with three custom-cut 6mm heart-shaped emeralds and five round emeralds on the stem.

The shamrock is surrounded by 56 pave set diamonds. The bezel is set with 18 princess cut diamonds and there is a round diamond in the Larry O'Brien Trophy on the shank of the ring.

Overall, the ring contains a combination of 83 diamonds and emeralds for a total weight of over 3.30 carats of gemstones.

The ring features "Banner 17" on one shank, to commemorate the Celtics 17th NBA Championship. The word "Ubuntu," the team's mantra last season, is on the other shank. The backgrounds of each shank mimic the team's iconic parquet floor. In addition, team patriarch Red Auerbach's signature is engraved on the inside of the ring.

For more information on how to purchase raffle tickets, go to www.celtics.com.