A father of three and former McKay’s Corners resident has been awarded the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) Igniting Healthcare Spring 50/50 grand prize jackpot.
Jason Howes of St. Thomas took home the fundraiser’s $74,690 grand prize on May 3, and he wasted no time in making the drive down to Chatham to pick up his winnings.
“I grew up in Chatham-Kent and just moved to St. Thomas last year for work, so I’ve always bought tickets for these 50/50s as a way to support this hospital that’s been so good to me and to my family,” Howes said in a media release. “I never really thought that there was a chance that I would actually win, so when I got the call, I was definitely speechless. I’m still having a hard time believing that this is real.”
Howes purchased three online tickets and a total of 1,500 numbers for this year’s draw, including the lucky winning number CK-7052050.
He has supported the Igniting Healthcare 50/50 over the past few years, always considering his ticket purchases as donations in support of a cause close to his heart.
“My wife and I are getting ready for our son’s third birthday party over the weekend, and once that’s done, I think we’ll be buying that new smoker that we’ve been keeping our eyes on,” Howes said. “I also plan to use some of these winnings to finish my pilot’s license, and I’m very excited about that.”
CKHAF’s inaugural Spring 50/50 exceeded its goal, raising a total of $149,380 in ticket sales. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be designated towards the Highest Priority Needs at the CKHA.
“As we all know, the needs and priorities of our hospital are always changing, and it is so important for our foundation to remain responsive and adaptable in our commitment to meet these evolving needs,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO. “We were blown away by the support that our Spring 50/50 received from across our community and beyond, and we were so thrilled to be able to present Jason with a cheque that will have such a positive impact on him and his young family.”
In addition to the grand prize jackpot, four Early Bird prizes were awarded every Friday throughout the campaign.
