12/23/10 bdb

HAYS, Kan. -- One in 1,277 are pretty long odds, but Suzie Lidstrom's luck was in on Dec. 3 when her ticket was drawn and she won the 1986 Jaguar XJS at the Tigers-University of Nebraska-Omaha basketball game at Fort Hays State University.

"It's really been crazy and amazing. We had talked about buying a ticket every time we went to a game," said Lidstrom. "We realized at the Dec. 1st game that it was our last chance, so we finally bought it. Were we ever glad!"

The Lidstroms have been attending FHSU athletics games since high school.

"We've always been big supporters of the Tigers. It's a huge privilege to participate in FHSU athletics, no less winning a car," she said. "The Kelloggs' generosity is greatly appreciated, and I'm so happy we could help support FHSU."

Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg, members of the FHSU Athletics Difference Makers, the most elite level of donor for FHSU athletics, donated the mint-condition car. The Jaguar has a 12-cylinder engine with 68,000 miles.

"The car created a lot of excitement and momentum for athletics," said Tim Callahan, assistant athletic director. "Aside from raising money, the car was constant exposure and advertising for the university."

The Kelloggs' generosity gave us a great opportunity to generate additional funding for Tiger Athletics," said Curtis Hammeke, FHSU athletic director.

Beginning at Homecoming and leading up to the home game on Dec. 3, 1,277 tickets were sold at $25 each, raising $27,000 to benefit FHSU Athletics.