“It couldn’t have went any better,” said event spokesperson Carol O’Brien.
The organizers had an exit plan arranged, which would have consisted of a $25,000 consolation prize for every participant who did not draw the ace of spades.
Everyone involved was pleased that the ace of spades was drawn before the plan had to be executed.
Marjorie Williams was the first winner of the evening, taking home $427,135 from the 50/50 draw.
The prize will be split between six people.
“I was feeling lucky tonight,” said Williams. “We’ve been coming to the draws for weeks, and we usually stay on the outskirts. Tonight, we all decided we were going to win, so we got as close to the parish as we could.”
Glen Stokes was the first ticket holder with the chance to draw the ace of spades.
He drew the ten of spades and took home the consolation prize of more than $437,000.
“It’s not the ace,” Stokes said with a laugh as he held up the card. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
The next lucky ticket holders were Don and Marg Gorman of Conception Bay South.
The Gormans arrived within seconds of their ticket number being drawn, dancing up onto the stage.
As the ace of spades was revealed, balloons fell from the ceiling, music blasted and the crowd cheered them on.
Volunteers cheered, knowing their 44 weeks of hard work was complete.
“It’s been a big commitment,” said volunteer Eddy Janes. “It’s been so much fun, but we’re all definitely glad it’s come to an end.”
Ashley Thorne was one of many in the over 3-kilometre lineup on Wednesday afternoon to get her tickets.
“I’m getting nervous,” Thorne said earlier Wednesday. “I’m not sure if we’re going to make it by 8 o’clock.”
Thorne and her friends were in the lineup since 2 p.m., and finally made their way inside the parish by 7:30 p.m.
50/50 tickets sold out at about 6:30 p.m., and the Chase the Ace tickets were sold out at 7:55 p.m.
Many hopefuls were still lined up at 8 p.m. and did not get the chance to purchase tickets.
“It’s been an amazing time,” said O’Brien. “Now it’s time for a long rest.”
Earlier story:
Couple aces it: the Goulds chase ends at more than $2.5 million
Don and Marg Gorman of Chamberlains won the big prize at Wednesday night’s Chase the Ace fundraiser in the Goulds, collecting a cheque for $2,605,451.
The win came on the 45th — and last — week of the St. Kevin’s Parish fundraiser.
The 50/50 winner was Marjorie Williams of Kilbride, who took home a cheque for $427,135.
