From southern Alberta to South Beach, there’s no better way to beat Lethbridge’s January chills than with the Miami Heat. Lethbridge College has launched Ready to Feel the Heat: The Miami Heat Experience, a new raffle that will send one lucky winner and a guest to Florida for a one-of-a-kind experience to see the Miami Heat take on the Toronto Raptors.
All money raised by the raffle will support the financial needs of Lethbridge College students. Each November for the past three decades, the college’s annual Clayton Allan Wine Auction has raised money to support student needs or college priorities. This year, the Wine Auction was postponed due to the pandemic, however, the organizing committee still wanted to make sure students were supported. The committee approached Lethbridge College alumni John Vidalin (Communication Arts 1991) who is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for the Heat, to create a one-of-a-kind experience. The prize 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 Jan. 17, a Heat prize pack including a pair of Kyle Lowry jerseys and more.
“The Heat and John Vidalin have been great teammates to help create an all-star experience to support our students,” says Stephanie Savage, Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement Manager. “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.”
Ready to Feel the Heat: The Miami Heat Experience raffle tickets are available now on the Lethbridge College website. Get one ticket for $10, three tickets for $20, 10 tickets for $50 or 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.
“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,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “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.”
From his roots at Lethbridge College, Vidalin’s career has taken him from coast-to-coast-to-coast, working across North America in three of the continent’s four major professional sports leagues. Prior to joining the Heat, Vidalin previously worked with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans, and the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames. Vidalin has maintained his ties to the college, including speaking at New Student Orientation in 2017.
Ready to Feel the Heat: The Miami Heat Experience tickets are available until Nov. 18. The winning draw will take place on Nov. 19 at Lethbridge College. Tickets and more information are available on the Lethbridge College website.