By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—Last week, Hagersville’s Catch The Ace, a fundraising lottery organized by the Hagersville Lions and Hagersville Rocks Committee, had another record-breaking week, selling 48,740 tickets and raising an incredible $325,790 in a single evening.
The success of the fundraiser has been growing week-over-week, as that elusive ace of spades – the key to winning the jackpot now estimated at $501,111 – remains hidden in a numbered envelope on a game board with fewer options every week.
Last week’s weekly winner, Bev Cook, took home $65,158, or 20% of that week’s earnings. She chose envelope 48, which contained the six of diamonds. Lions Club President Dan Matten estimates that next week’s weekly winner will take home $70,000. If they catch the ace, that $70,000 will be in addition to the $501,111 jackpot, contributing to an ultimate total prize of over $570,000.
HAGERSVILLE—Lion Dan Matten presents Bev Cook with $65,158 for winning the weekly Catch the Ace prize. —Submitted photo.
Bev is a recent retiree, following 42 years of working at Simcoe-based nursing home Norview Lodge. She shared her plans for the winnings: “We’re going to share it with our three children. We all went in on the tickets together yesterday. My husband and I decided we would do it as a group instead of individually.”
When asked if she was considering a vacation with her share, she said, “Not right at this point in time. With the hydro going out last night, we’ve been looking into a generator. That is going to be our first purchase.”
“They just found out about the Hagersville Catch the Ace a few days before the 38th draw and this was the first time they came to buy tickets. What a lucky buy,” said Matten.
He offered some advice for those looking to participate in this week’s draw, as the growing popularity of the event has turned Hagersville into a hectic area each Thursday afternoon as participants flock to the Hagersville Legion to purchase tickets.
“Since the parking is a real issue close to the Legion, I suggest that you park at the marketplace or at the arena, which are only a short walk away from the Legion,” he said. “Don’t even try to drive to Alma St. – there is no parking for sure and bylaw officers are out issuing tickets if you park in a driveway or anywhere you are not allowed. And please watch out for pedestrians; we don’t want anything to happen that would dampen our joy and fun with Catch the Ace.”
He encouraged those visiting Hagersville for the weekly draw to check out some local businesses or restaurants in the area. He also thanked the Hagersville Legion for their continued support of the event, encouraging residents to visit, even when Catch The Ace isn’t on: “It’s a wonderful place to go on any other day if you feel like going out and socializing. They are always welcoming and super nice…. Hagersville has wonderful things to offer.”
Each successive week of Catch the Ace could be the last. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a massive jackpot, while also supporting excellent local causes, including the West Haldimand General Hospital, the Hagersville Food Bank, and the Hagersville Lions.
Should the ace be caught, worry not. The Lions are already planning ahead for their next Catch the Ace fundraiser, “First, we have to finalize Round 2 with the AGCO and they will have to audit our final report. Then we will apply for a new license and we will look forward to playing Catch the Ace with you again.”
