I've always found it helpful to subscribe to the raffle thread or any thread for that matter that I have an interest in. By doing this the thread is highlighted for easy location. Its as easy as clicking on "Thread Tools" and the click "Subscribe to this thread". Then click on "Add Subscription".
Food for thought, if and when I ever do run a raffle I'll add a link in my description that will allow people to do this.
Something like this "
Click here to add subscription to your control panel"
This link was set to this particular thread.