Tickets have just gone on sale for the University College of the Fraser Valley Foundation’s first large-scale fundraising raffle, “Driven to Succeed.” One lucky ticket holder will win a brand new 2004 Volkswagon Beetle valued at $30,000, while early bird draw winners will share in prizes totalling more than $15,000.

“The VW Beetle raffle is an outstanding opportunity for UCFV,” says Bob Warick, executive director of the UCFV Foundation. “The tremendous support of our community sponsors has made it possible for UCFV to provide a prize that everyone would love to win, and a way to raise major funds to support students and many different learning activities.”

The raffle, which is expected to raise up to $90,000, was made possible by a number of major sponsors including Valley Autohouse and Envision Financial, who each donated $15,000 toward the grand prize auto, and The Abbotsford News, StarFM and 104.9Xfm, who are each donating $25,000 worth of advertising for the raffle.

Mark Cheng, owner of the VW dealerships in Abbotsford and Chilliwack , says that making the decision to help UCFV students was a natural choice. “We like to put money into the community, and sponsor community events. UCFV is a good fit, because we already sponsor the theatre department, and we work with students in the UCFV marketing department.”

Gord Huston, CEO of Envision Credit Union and UCFV Foundation chair, also believes in supporting local education. “We know the value of post-seondary education and what it does to improve not only the future quality of life for the student, but for the whole community,” says Huston. “That’s why we didn’t hesitate to sponsor this project.”

The money raised from the Beetle raffle will go toward enhancing student learning, either in the form of bursaries and scholarships for students, or direct funding of learning resource projects.

Eighteen UCFV groups have had projects approved for funding. Members of these groups are selling raffle tickets, and will receive a portion of ticket sales for their projects. These include an updated sound-effects system for the theatre, equipment and travel expenses for sports teams, a number of speaker series, a cultural symposium, and geography fieldwork.

“It's a terrific opportunity for our students to support their favorite UCFV associations or departments,” says Warick. “Because the ticket sellers know that proceeds are going toward the learning activities and organizations that interest them the most, they will be highly motivated to help sell tickets and can directly benefit from their efforts.”

Students are not the only ones benefitting from the raffle. With ticket sales limited to only 26,000, the chances of winning are clear. As well, in addition to the grand prize draw for the 2004 VW Beetle on Dec. 22, 2003, there will be a number of early bird draws for prize packs including weekend getaways, cultural excursions, computer equipment, a shopping spree, ski and travel adventures, and more.

“UCFV owes all our sponsors, donors, and student volunteers a huge vote of thanks for this special project," says Warick.

Tickets are on sale now at the UCFV Theatre in Chilliwack , the Abbotsford campus Information Booth, Chilliwack campus reception, Mission campus reception, and at the Abbotsford campus library, and from selected UCFV groups.

For more information on “Driven to Succeed” prizes, sponsors, and draw dates, visit www.ucfv.ca/foundation/beetle.htm