FERGUS – The Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora and the Fergus Legion Branch 275 are ready to relaunch their Catch the Ace fundraiser.
The game was put on hold in March of 2020 because of the pandemic and the jackpot of $30,000 was left in the bank.
But with public health restrictions lifting and vaccination against COVID-19 more widespread, the organizations feel it’s safe to resume play.
The club will do its first draw on Dec. 12 at the Fergus Legion, the next draw on Dec. 19, and the next draw on Dec. 26.
“Somebody could win a nice Christmas present if somebody pulls the ace of spades,” said Rotarian Jim Gibbons, who is chair of Catch the Ace.
Here’s how it works.
Catch the Ace is a progressive lottery.
Tickets are sold for a weekly draw and the winner receives half of the week’s sales.
The other half goes to the Groves Hospital Foundation.
The prize amount depends on the number of tickets sold; some weeks it can be as much as $5,000, Gibbons said.
Before the game began, 52 playing cards were put in individual sealed envelopes and the weekly winner gets to pull an envelope.
Whoever pulls the ace of spades wins the jackpot, that right now is sitting around $32,000.
Pulling the ace of spades also marks the end of the game, although Gibbons said when the jackpot is won, the club intends to start up another game.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at:
– the ReStore, Fergus;
– New to You, Fergus;
– UltraMar gas station on Hwy. 6;
– Broderick’s, Fergus;
– Fergus Legion, Fergus;
– Schelters Stockeroom Supply Co., Elora;
– Geddes Street Market, Elora;
– The Plumber’s Wife, Arthur; and
– Country Market, Belwood.
Ticket sales will begin Nov. 25.
