Nobody would participate in this. Not only does this look like a clear scam but even if you were legit there is no way 1,000 people would enter.
To be clear, this is just a check for interest in said essay contest. Should there be sufficient interest, I would work with an attorney to make everything legal as well as provide proof of ownership, as well as draw up a contract that officially states all the rules and regulations of the essay contest. Within the contract it will define that there will be a guaranteed winner should all 1000 essay entries be filled, and if there are less than 1000 entries, refunds would be issued to the appropriate parties, etc.
Thank for your honest opinion, just looking for a way to sell the house, and give someone the chance to own the place for $100. The house is currently listed with a realtor and I haven't had much luck the conventional way.