(Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College teams with NBA’s Miami Heat on unique raffle to support students

Nov 1, 2021 | 11:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Basketball fans take note, Lethbridge College has got a slam dunk of a contest for you.

The college has announced its “Ready to Feel the Heat: The Miami Heat Experience”. It’s a new raffle that will send one lucky winner and a guest to Florida for an experience to see the Miami Heat host the Toronto Raptors.

All monies raised in the raffle will go to supporting the financial needs of Lethbridge College students. Each November, funds are raised through the annual Clayton Allan Wine Auction. However, that has been postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organizing committee still wanted to ensure students were supported. So, the committee approached Lethbridge College alumni John Vidalin (Communication Arts 1991), who is now the Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for Miami’s NBA club.

The prize pack for the contest includes airfare for two to Miami, a two-night hotel stay in Miami, two lower-level tickets to see the Heat play the Raptors on January 17 and a Heat prize pack that includes a pair of Kyle Lowry jerseys, and more.

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Stephanie Savage, Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement Manager said, “the Heat and John Vidalin have been great teammates to help create an all-star experience to support our students.”

“Funds raised at the Wine Auction each year give our students a lift when they need it most, and although this year’s event was postponed until spring, the needs of our students have not changed. This raffle gives us an easy – and fun – way for the community to get involved in that support. By bringing a little piece of Heat Nation to southern Alberta, we are hoping to ignite a spirit of giving in our community.”

Raffle tickets are available now through Lethbridge College’s website. One ticket is $10, three for $20, 10 for $50 and 25 tickets for $100. The contest is open to all Alberta residents over the age of 18, including Lethbridge College students, employees, alumni and community members.

The college’s President and CEO, Dr. Paula Burns said, “we know many of our students face financial barriers that can impede their success in the classroom, and this unique raffle is one way we can address those concerns.”

“It is exciting that we’re able to offer this incredible prize that we know will appeal to our basketball hotbed in southern Alberta. We know the winner will travel safely and enjoy a unique experience that celebrates the college, our students and our incredible alumni.”

Lethbridge College alumni John Vidalin, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Miami Heat (Photo provided by Lethbridge College)

The college noted that Vidalin’s career has taken him from coast to coast, working across North America in three of the continent’s major professional sports leagues. Before joining the Miami Heat, he worked with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans, and the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames. Although well travelled, Vidalin has kept his ties to the college and spoke at New Student Orientation in 2017.

Tickets for the “Ready to Feel the Heat: The Miami Heat Experience” are available until November 18. The winning draw will take place November 19 at Lethbridge College.