Honeywood (Dr. A. J. Porter) Heritage Nursery launched its second annual cash lotto June 1.
"The board of directors is excited to announce the launch of its second cash lotto," commented Angela Leski, cash lotto co-ordinator. The success of the 2013 draw convinced the non-profit organization to proceed with the promotional event as a means to raise funds for maintenance and repair of the site as well as general upkeep.
Again this year, the cash lotto offers a total of $125,000 in cash prizes, and to increase the ticket purchaser's chance of winning a cash prize, a progressive 50/50 has been added.
Tickets purchased by midnight July 20 are eligible for the July 22 early bird draw consisting of one $5,000 prize and five draws of $1,000. The grand prize, subsidiary prize draws and 50/50 draw will be made Sept. 13 following a three-day radio-thon with CJWW. All tickets must be purchased by midnight Sept. 11 to be eligible for the final draw prizes. A grand prize draw of $100,000 will be made as well as 10 $1,000 and 10 $500 cash draws.
"Only 2,500 tickets will be sold with ticket prices at $100 each," commented Honeywood Nursery manager Judy Harley, further explaining tickets can be purchased at Honeywood Nursery, Parkside General Store, from the directors and by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-855-947-3425.
The organization will have two live radio broadcast sessions from the Parkside Heritage Centre in Parkside. One session will be July 16 and 17, prior to the early bird draw, and the final one will be Sept. 9, 10 and 11, prior to the final grand prize draw.
The lotto was instrumental in raising public awareness of the heritage site and continues to gain the support of everyone who visits the picturesque nursery.
The funds raised through this lottery will assist with major upgrades and renovations of the heritage site. Harley indicated one of the interior rooms in the original Porter homestead is being converted into a museum focusing on the life and times of Dr. A.J Porter. This will provide visitors with a visual display of Honeywood Nursery's progress over the years.
Some of the major projects in 2013 included the installation of windows and the exterior refurbishing of the original Porter cabin. Ongoing yard and garden maintenance is essential to ensure the grounds are kept in superior condition for public viewing.
The board of directors recently hired Laura Cleveland to assist with horticultural tasks at Honeywood Nursery. Cleveland has a background in horticulture with Dalhouise University and will lead and guide the staff and volunteers in offering lily bulbs, fruit trees and a pre-determined selection of plants for sale at the site.
Honeywood Heritage Nursery celebrates the rich horticultural heritage of the area and is a testament to the commitment, love and dedication that Dr. Porter displayed with the cultivation and hybridization of lilies for which he was known worldwide and his quest to develop hardy fruit varieties for the Canadian Prairies.
Designated as a municipal heritage site in 2001 and a provincial heritage site in 2007, Honeywood Heritage Nursery is not only considered a destination of preference for weddings and photographers but also as an educational tool for horticulturalists, gardeners, landscapers and students of all ages.
For more information about the cash lotto and Honeywood Heritage Nursery seasonal events, call 306-747-3307 or visit www.honeywood-lilies.ca.
