Staff and students at White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School are hoping to score big with the inaugural NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship raffle, inspired by the long-standing success of Korah Collegiate’s Super Bowl draw.
The White Pines draw will be held on March 21 at 2:15 p.m. in the school's gymnasium with a celebration organized by the leadership class.
“The whole school will be there just like the Super Bowl raffle,” said Jennifer Barbeau, principal of White Pines.
“Our coach is mimicking everything that worked so well at Korah.”
The grand prize is valued at $18,900 USD.
It includes round-trip airfare from Sault Ste. Marie to San Antonio for two people and four nights’ accommodation from April 4 to 8.
Additionally, the winner will receive tickets to see the NCAA Fan Fest, upper-level tickets to the NCAA Semi-Final and National Championship games, pre-game tailgate parties, daily breakfast and a souvenir gift package.
The tickets are $20 each, with proceeds going directly to support White Pines students.
Barbeau, who previously spent 21 years at Korah as a teacher and vice-principal, credited Sergio Iacoe and Steve Caruso with mentoring her.
Iacoe, the previous principal at Korah, and Caruso who succeeded him, provided a blueprint for a successful school fundraiser.
“Sergio was the original person who brought the Super Bowl raffle to us,” Barbeau said.
“And when he retired, Caruso was the principal, I was the vice-principal, and we took over that draw. And then when I came to White Pines, I wanted to recreate a draw to best support our students.”
Barbeau noted that the funds raised will be used to support student activities and that the spending is regulated.
“It will be used by kids for trips, for athletics, for the arts,” she said.
With the draw date fast approaching on March 21, Barbeau noted that sales were nearing $10,000.
Tickets can be purchased at various locations across the city such as Airways General Store, Auroras West and Hillside locations, Booster Juice, Goulais River Country Store, Ice Breakers, John Rhodes Pro Shop, Soo Sports, Sport Centre, Team Essentials and at White Pines.
Tickets are also available for purchase by contacting the school and using e-transfer.
“We’re open to any way to get a person a ticket,” Barbeau said.
White Pines has seen strong community support for the NCAA raffle.
Algoma University, Sault College, Sault Tribe and the Soo Greyhounds have all contributed to promoting the event.
Cliff Printing played a crucial role by printing the tickets and posters.
“Everybody’s embraced it just like they embrace the Super Bowl raffle,” Barbeau said.
“I think when it goes back to kids or students, people are willing to help support and try to make a difference.”
White Pines invites the community to participate in the NCAA raffle draw, supporting local students and potentially winning a once-in-a-lifetime sports experience.