Fisher Branch’s Chase the Ace jackpot pushed past $100,000 last week, giving the town a reputation for large draws that not only benefit one lucky winner, but also local organizations that serve the community.
As of last week, the pot stood at $104,995.
Karl Barrett, who sits on the Chase the Ace board and is one of the organizers of the 50-50 event, said there are plenty of cards left – 28 as of last Thursday – and that they’re seeing more and more people starting to come out to the regular Friday evening draw.
“It really changed in the last three weeks with respect to more people coming out and us selling more tickets. That’s why it hit $100,000 last week,” said Barrett. “And now that the cold weather is done, we’re seeing more people as well.”
Last year’s Chase the Ace winner took home a whopping $231,141.
The draw is registered with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries and the board provides reports to the Crown corporation.
The proceeds of the draw are split between the winner and a number of local organizations, which are part of the board and use the money to enhance their services to residents.
The organizations are as follows: the Fisher Branch Curling Club, the Fisher Branch Recreation Centre, the Fisher Branch Community Centre, the Fisher Branch Golf & Country Club, the Fisher Branch Museum, Fisher Branch Personal Care Home foundation (to buy items for residents), the Fisher Branch Women’s Institute, the Fisher Air Cadets # 158, the Chaika Ukrainian Dance Club and the Northern Lights Festival of the Arts.
Barrett said two new organizations joined the Chase the Ace board this year: The Ukrainian National Home and the Hodgson Community Club.
The draw takes place every Friday night at the Fisher Branch Recreation Centre. People can purchase a ticket between 6 and 9 p.m. The draw is made at 9:30 p.m.
For more information about the draw, visit the Fisher Branch Community Events page on Facebook.
