STARS’ 33rd lottery launched Friday morning in Edmonton at one of the contest’s dream homes. The 2,600-square foot, three-bed, three-bath house built by Concept Homes on a corner lot in the Village of Griesbach is valued at nearly $1.1 million. The fundraising goal for this lottery is $11 million. “It is our single largest annual fundraiser. It generates enough revenue for us to support one of our bases for an entire year,” explained Mike Lamacchia, STARS’ chief operating officer for Alberta, calling it a “lifeline” for patients. “We’re not interested in running an average operation here at STARS,” added the organization’s chief medical officer and emergency physician Mack MacKenzie. “We want to be cutting edge. We want to provide patients with absolutely the best chance they have at survival… That takes a lot of effort, a lot of education, and so we need the funding to support that.” The luxury homes, including in Calgary and Lethbridge, are open for viewing starting Saturday until March 15. Other prizes include cash, vehicles and vacations. Despite the lofty goal, those at the organization are confident about their future success. “Every year, Albertans have been with us, side by side…. Thirty-three years, that’s proven enough to say Albertans love this lottery and they love STARS,” Lamacchia said. The ticket deadline is March 20 while the draw will be made on March 31, not counting opportunities to win prizes instantly, which is a new feature this year. STARS was established in 1985. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell
