Gallery launches river cruise lottery

ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT — The odds are Kamloops Art Gallery will sell all 450 tickets in its European river cruise lottery because the odds of winning are pretty good, said Judy Basso, fundraising co-ordinator.

“Welcome aboard, we are launching the third annual Luxury Vacation Lottery,” Basso said Tuesday in the gallery atrium. “Imagine winning a luxury vacation river tour in Europe worth $10,000.”

The trip includes airfare and the winners can choose their river destination. Tickets are $100 each, sold at The Gallery Store or by phone at 250-377-2400.

“I just got back from another one and, yes, there’s nothing like it,” said Roxanna Ferguson of Travelwise, which is co-sponsoring the prize. They are the most popular trips the Kamloops travel company offers, she noted.

“The ships dock in the heart of the action in communities dotted along the river, the rooms are fabulous and there are only 130 passengers on the whole ship,” Ferguson said. “It gives you a great chance to see the towns closely and meet new people.”

Basso said the relatively small number of tickets makes the annual lottery a popular one.

As an added fundraiser, the Gallery Store is selling lottery gift packages for $125 that include a ticket, a travel journal, pen and greeting card with a copy of the Avalon Waterways catalogue.

Tickets will be on sale at special events, including Hot Nites in the City, Sun Peaks concert nights. Look for sellers wearing the captain’s hats. They’re on sale until they’re sold out, with a draw date set for Jan. 7, 2015.

The lottery raises funds for gallery programs and exhibitions.