DRAYTON – Drayton Entertainment has launched a province-wide Ultimate 50/50 raffle with half the proceeds benefiting charitable programs for the not-for-profit theatre company and half the proceeds awarded to one lucky winner. The online raffle will run until March 30 with the draw set for noon on March 31.
Drayton Entertainment is well-known for its 50/50 draws that take place at each performance. Over the course of a typical season, more than 800 draws occur. It’s a long-standing tradition dating all the way back to the early days of the Drayton Festival Theatre.
“Taking the raffle online is a great way to have some fun with audiences during this extended intermission,” says Drayton Entertainment CEO and artistic director Alex Mustakas.
Participation is open to more than just Drayton Entertainment patrons. Anyone over the age of 18 in Ontario can buy a ticket.
In a March 1 press release, Drayton Entertainment officials state the raffle will raise “important dollars to be invested into Drayton Entertainment’s charitable programs at this crucial time when the company has seen virtually all operating revenue disappear due to the coronavirus crisis.”
The release notes COVID-19 has significantly impacted live entertainment – it was one of the first industries to be shuttered last March and will likely be one of the last to re-open. Drayton Entertainment was forced to cancel all productions last season, encompassing 20 shows on seven stages and over 800 individual performances.
Prior to the pandemic, the professional theatre organization was on track to reach a paid attendance record of 275,000, with an anticipated economic impact of over $75 million, positively stimulating many tourism and hospitality businesses in communities throughout Ontario.
Tickets are available now. Sales will close at 11:59pm EST on March 30. The draw winner will be announced at 12pm on March 31, 2021. The winning number will be announced online at https://drayton5050.com, on Drayton Entertainment’s social media channels, and on Drayton Entertainment’s website www.draytonentertainment.com.
Participants can select from the following three ticket pack options:
– Regular: 3 tickets for $10;
– Discount: 10 tickets for $20; and
– Ultimate Savings: 50 tickets for $50
Ticket buyers will receive a receipt via email after purchasing that will list all numbers associated with the purchased tickets. Tickets will be sold using an electronic raffle system approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
For complete details including rules of participation and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://drayton5050.com/.
