Giving to a fundraiser has turned into receiving for a Chatham man.
Frank Ward of Chatham has won the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s Igniting Healthcare Summer 50/50 $100,000 jackpot.
“We were on our annual trip to St. Jacobs, so my son took the call from the Foundation asking me to call them back. Then we got an email saying that the winner was Frank W. and my son checked the ticket and saw that we had the winning number," Ward said. "I still can’t believe it. I’ve never won anything in my life before, so I’m still a little bit shaken up.”
Ward retired from a career as an I.T. Technician two years ago and noted this money will provide some security and peace of mind that means the world to the family.
“This money sets me and my family up for the future,” he said. “We’re going to invest this, and then we know that no matter what happens, we’ll be covered. It’s going to make a huge difference for us.”
The foundation said it's the first time the Summer 50/50 had a $100,000 guaranteed jackpot for the grand prize winner.
The summer campaign raised a total of $154,090 in ticket sales and proceeds will be set aside for the highest priority needs at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), such as life-changing equipment and facility upgrades at the two local hospital sites.
“As a Foundation, we are always looking for innovative new ways to raise funds, build excitement, and give back to the wonderful community of supporters who give so generously to our hospital year after year,” said CKHA Foundation President and CEO Christine Mitchell. "We are so grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and helped spread the word!”
The CKHA Foundation now turns its attention to their Holiday 50/50 draw, which will kick off in late-November.