Good news to start the new year for Kitchener’s David and Wendy Imrie
January 8, 2024
Former CKCO reporter David Imrie, along with his wife Wendy, became the story themselves on New Year’s Day after they scooped 2023’s biggest monthy jackpot.
December 2023's 50/50 winners David and Wendy Imrie visited Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge to collect the biggest monthly prize of the year from Drayton Entertainment's Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas, who recently played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
BREAKING! A familiar (and smiling) face popped in to Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge on January 5 after receiving some exciting news to start 2024.
Retired CKCO/CTV reporter David Imrie, along with his wife Wendy, met with Artistic Director Alex Mustakas to collect the winnings from 2023’s final 50/50 prize draw. Their lucky ticket #99007412025 scooped up the final jackpot of the year - a whopping $39,135!
The couple was relaxing at their home in Kitchener on January 1 when Mustakas delivered the news.
“We were just sitting at our island, having a coffee and contemplating the day that was unfolding and the new year that was unfolding,” says David. “This call came in with a number that I didn’t recognize. The voice on the other end said, ‘Happy New Year, David. This is Alex. Any idea why I might be calling?’”
David guessed the reason, but he was uncharacteristically lost for words.
“Wow. I laughed and said, ‘I really can’t believe this. But, wow.’”
Although they’re still stunned by the unexpected windfall, Wendy and David have already begun thinking about how they’ll be spending it. Some of the winnings will probably be used to treat their three-month-old grandson.
“We do enjoy traveling, so there will be some travel plans sometime in the future,” says David.
“We like coming to shows. We do about 10 or 11 a year,” says Wendy, adding that they’ve attended productions at all but two of Drayton Entertainment’s seven theatres since the very first one in 1991. Comedies and musicals are their favourites, and they try to coordinate shows around their birthdays and anniversary in the summer. “Sometimes we do two in a day. We’ve seen Mamma Mia! twice.”
The couple have enjoyed going to the theatre with their now-grown up children, including daughter Heather, with whom they saw Hairspray in 2011. “She loved coming,” says Wendy.
Heather was once in a choir with A.J. Bridel, who has performed in numerous Drayton Entertainment productions, most recently Kinky Boots last July.
“It’s good to see some of the talent on stage, like A.J. You’ve got that connection,” says David.
He adds, “The beauty of Drayton Entertainment is the high calibre of talent that you see in Toronto at a much higher price, you can see here, close to home. The setting is so much more personable because you’re closer to the stage. It’s just a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the arts. Alex and the team do such a wonderful job in bringing the best talent, and we really appreciate that. It’s nice to have it in our backyard.”
Tickets for the January raffle are available for purchase at https://drayton5050.com until 9:59 p.m. on January 31, with three tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, or 100 tickets for $40. A Grand Prize draw will take place at noon on February 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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