Calgarian Vincenzo Contrada departed from his years-long Calgary Stampede tradition of buying his Stampede Lotteries ticket for the Rotary Dream Home when he bought it on the first Friday of 2023’s event instead of the last Sunday.
Turns out, he made the right choice.
Contrada and his family took the keys to their new 2,537 square-foot Homes by Avi Rotary Dream Home in the southeast Calgary community of Rangeview on Wednesday.
“It was shocking – when I heard who was calling, I asked them if I had won the dream home. I was joking, but after they confirmed I actually was the winner, I was in disbelief,” said Contrada.
“While it still seems like a dream, my wife and I truly feel fortunate. Winning the dream home is life-changing.”
Contrada and his wife Nancy, along with their two daughters have been regular Calgary Stampede-goers over the years. As born and raised Calgarians, Contrada and his wife have been attending the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth since they were kids.
“Normally we visit Stampede on the final Sunday, which is when I always buy my Stampede Lotteries tickets,” said Contrada.
“But this year, my boss asked me to attend a work event in his place at the chuckwagon races on the first Friday of Stampede. I did, and that’s when I bought the lucky ticket.”
He’d had a conversation with a volunteer at the booth and decided to purchase his tickets that night. Contrada checked the website after the Stampede but didn’t see his name. Then, he got the call.
The family has been fortunate to watch the ongoing construction of their new home as they only currently live about five minutes away. Coincidentally, it’s also the family’s fourth Homes by Avi home.
Record year for the Dream Home
The entire Dream Home package, which included $125,000 in cash, totalled more than $1.26 million. It’s Homes by Avi’s 27th year partnering with the Calgary Stampede and the Rotary Club of Calgary on the Dream Home.
“We are absolutely thrilled for the Contrada family! Their genuine love for their city and community is remarkable, and the fact that they are current homeowners with Homes by Avi highlights their appreciation for quality craftsmanship and unique design,” said Vered Amir, Director of Sponsorship & Community Engagement, Homes by Avi Group of Companies, in a prepared release.
“Homes by Avi, along with our many trade partners, showcases the commitment and skill of our partners in bringing this vision to life. We truly value our relationship with the Calgary Stampede and Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park.”
In total, the Stampede Lotteries gave back more than $1.85 million to different charities across southern Alberta. This year, the Rotary Dream Home generated $854,000.
“The 2023 Dream home is an incredibly beautiful home and helped us reach a new record in ticket sales, which allowed us to give back more to the community,” said Richard Agnew, Chair, Calgary Stampede Lotteries Committee.
“On behalf of Stampede Lotteries, I would like to extend my thanks to Homes by Avi and Rotary for their unwavering commitment. Their dedication has truly made a significant difference in the lives of many.”
