Former Drayton Entertainment volunteer Joan Bell wins September’s 50/50 grand prize
October 11, 2023
Our latest winner was so happy to chat on the phone with Alex Mustakas that she forgot to ask about her prize.
Joan Bell visited Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge to collect her winnings from Audience Services Manager Gary Good.
A happy and familiar face returned to Drayton Entertainment to collect her winnings from September’s 50/50 prize draw. Joan Bell began working as a dedicated Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge volunteer in 2017, but she stopped when she moved to Nepean in Ottawa two years ago.
Artistic Director Alex Mustakas called Bell on October 1 to deliver the good news.
“I was in the kitchen, and I could see on the phone that it was Drayton,” she says. “Of course, I’ve met Alex many times while volunteering, so I knew exactly why he was calling. But still, when he says it, it’s just amazing.”
Bell was so happy to hear from Mustakas that she forgot to ask about her winnings. After chatting for a while to catch up, he asked, “Don’t you want to know the amount?”
“I said, ‘Oh, I guess so’,” laughed Bell, adding that she was “floored” when she found out that her lucky number – #99003584015 – had won her the grand prize of $8,380.
Bell visited Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge on October 11 to collect her cheque from Audience Services Manager Gary Good, who knows her from her time as a front of house volunteer. Her duties included ushering in the theatre, greeting patrons, and concession sales. Hundreds of volunteers contribute their time, talent and enthusiasm to Drayton Entertainment every year.
She says she’s planning on moving from Nepean soon. “We’re hoping to come back to Cambridge, and this really helps with relocation expenses.”
Bell has been entering the 50/50 draw for several years.
“We always met before our volunteer time, and I remember asking Gary, ‘Are we allowed to buy tickets?’ He said yes, so I bought some myself,” she says. “When we return, I’ll definitely come back to volunteering, because I love the theatre. The shows here are just fabulous. I absolutely love the musicals.”
Bell is already looking forward to the 2024 season, which was announced in early October.
“Jersey Boys, definitely. I love it!” she enthuses.
The November raffle will run through 11:59 p.m. on October 31, with a Grand Prize draw at noon on November 1. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://drayton5050.com, with three tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, or 100 tickets for $40.
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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