by Wes Bloom
‘Standing-room only’ is the best way to describe last Friday night at the 121 Steakhouse and restaurant in Assiniboia. Cars and trucks were lined up everywhere in town. There was literally no place close to park a vehicle. Hundreds of people showed up to support and participate in the Assiniboia Kinsmen Club’s first ever ‘Chase - the - Ace’ event. Of course, everyone in attendance hoped to win. That goes without saying.
Heidi Orten, in the first ticket drawn, won herself $773. After all was said and done, Josh Krochak, was the big winner, taking home a paycheque of $9,152.
To say this event was a success, would be a gross understatement. According to Assiniboia Kinsmen Club president, Les Wilcock, and lotto chairman, Howard Ellis, this first event raised over $12,000 for the organization, plus the 50/50 draw raised $1,385 for this year’s Kinsmen Telemiracle. Devin Selman, winner of the 50/50 draw, took home an equivalent amount.
“Money raised from this and future ‘Chase-the-Ace’ events will be used for various community projects”, said Ellis. “Our hall, the Kin Hut, is in desperate need of repairs and renovations, so much of this money will be used for that. Other monies raised from future ‘Chase-the-Ace’ events will go back into the community of Assiniboia to help other local and necessary organizations.”
“We are already working towards our next ‘Chase-the-Ace’ event”, he said. “We’re hoping that it too, will be a huge success”!
