It's no joke! Drayton Entertainment volunteer Marilyn Ivanovick wins big on April 1
April 9, 2024
The Cambridge resident has been part of the Drayton Entertainment community for more than eight years.
Marilyn Ivanovick picked up her winnings from Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge's Audience Services Manager, Gary Good, after buying the lucky 50/50 ticket in March.
Marilyn Ivanovick from Cambridge was at home on April 1, recovering from an illness, when she received a surprise call from Alex Mustakas, Drayton Entertainment’s Artistic Director. Because of the date, he had to reassure her that his news was real.
“I was sitting in the chair and the phone rings, and I can see it says Drayton Entertainment,” she recalls. “A lot of times, I don’t answer the phone because I don’t know the number. The person said, ‘This is Alex Mustakas calling, and this is not an April Fool’s joke!’”
“I couldn’t believe it, actually. It was quite a surprise,” she adds.
Ivanovick – whose lucky ticket #99011468004 landed her the jackpot of $8,905 – visited Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge on April 9 to collect her winnings from Audience Services Manager Gary Good. The two have known each other for some time because Ivanovick has been a volunteer with Drayton Entertainment for over eight years, mostly at her local venue. (Fittingly, the presentation took place just before the start of National Volunteer Week.)
For her, it’s more than just a way of giving back.
“Well, it’s not only that. It’s also fun,” she says. “I’m a widow, so being able to go out and do things is even better when you can socialize with other people.”
Ivanovick has been playing Drayton Entertainment's 50/50 since the fundraising initiative first started four years ago.
Her good fortune came at just the right time, she says. “I’ll be replenishing my bank account because I’ve had a few car expenses lately.”
The musical fan has already bought tickets for all five shows at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge this Season.
“We have six friends that come. I buy all the tickets, and we all come together. We’ve been doing that for quite a while. It’s a day out.”
Tickets for the April raffle are available for purchase at https://drayton5050.com until 9:59 p.m. on April 30, with three tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, or 100 tickets for $40. A Grand Prize draw will take place at noon on May 1.
The jackpot is updated online in real-time and grows as more people participate – the published amount is the winner’s take-home prize.
Tickets may be purchased by individuals 18 years or older and located in the Province of Ontario at the time of purchase. All ticket sales are final and ticket buyers will receive a receipt via email after purchasing that will list all numbers associated with the purchased tickets.
Tickets are sold using an electronic raffle system approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and supplied by Bump Worldwide Inc. Raffle License AGCO #RAF1232607. Please play responsibly. Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505 or visit www.connexontario.ca. For complete details, including rules of participation and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://drayton5050.com.
About Drayton Entertainment
Drayton Entertainment is an award-winning, not-for-profit charitable arts organization (12591 1313 RR0001) operating six professional live theatre venues in five Ontario communities – the original Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse (Mainstage and South Huron Stage) in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, and the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.
Drayton Entertainment is one of the largest employers of professional artists in the country across all artistic disciplines with over 400 artist contracts issued annually. The organization’s sustainable theatre model has emerged as a powerful force for culture and tourism in the province and has been recognized by the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as well as the Ontario Innovation Excellence Awards.
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