By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Oakdale Woman Wins Super Bowl Tickets
Super Bowl Winner
Lora Hadley, left, jumps while she signals a touchdown as she crosses the goal line at Turlock High School winning Super Bowl 50 tickets as the sponsor of the contest 104.1 FM, representative Dustin Azevedo rushes to interview her. Photo Courtesy KHKK-FM The Hawk/Cumulus Media, Inc.

When Oakdale’s Lora Hadley crossed the goal line of the football field at Turlock High School, ahead of 103 other competitors close behind, she scored far more than just six points.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, Hadley was the winner of the Valley First Credit Union and 104.1 FM-The Hawk’s Big Game Giveaway which included two Super Bowl tickets and a three-night stay in San Francisco.

“It was so amazing,” Hadley said. “At one point, I thought I didn’t have a chance.”

Hadley, who opened a Valley First Credit Union account in November, entered the contest and was notified she was one of the 104 finalists when she was at work at the Oakdale Equine Rescue.

“We all lined up on the 20-yard line of the field and they would draw numbers that were on ping-pong balls,” Hadley said about how the winner was determined, adding ‘10’ was her assigned digit. “Every time your number was drawn, you’d advance five yards toward the goal line – sort of like red light, green light.”

After more than an hour of numbers popping out and being called, when Hadley’s final number was drawn, there were eight others with her at the 5-yard line.

Despite her desire to go the Golden Anniversary of the Big Game, Hadley, a football fan herself, has other plans for the pair of Levi’s Stadium tickets, NFL Experience VIP entrance, Fisherman’s Wharf lodging, and personal driver the day of the game.

During some family illnesses over the last few years, her sons, J.D., 30, of Riverbank, and Josh, 26, of Modesto were by her side assisting as she took care of sick parents at separate times. Both men also helped her with the equine rescue while she was pulled away during those episodes.

“The cat’s out of the bag, but it’s my Christmas present to them,” Hadley said. “I’m much more excited for them.”

Hadley said she was thankful to Valley First Credit Union and the Hawk radio station, but is content watching the Feb. 7, 2016 game from home knowing her sons, one a Raider fan and the other a 49er fan, will be taking in the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It’s the least I can do for my boys,” she said.