In the 'Catch the Ace' card game, the premise is simple. Pull the ace of spades from the deck and you win! In Maniwaki, Que., local radio station CHGA 97.3 has been playing their version of 'Catch the Ace' for nearly a year without a winner. There's only one card left in the deck, so on Thursday, the winning ticketholder is guaranteed to take home a huge cash prize.
The town of nearly 4,000 people has never seen anything like this. Maryse Gauthier has spent nearly $1,000 buying tickets for herself, and for groups gunning for a chance at the jackpot.
"I'm buying tickets because I'm going to win," says Gauthier with a laugh. "How would you feel if we call you and tell you you're going to win $3.5 million?"
CHGA 97.3 Program Director Sébastien Plouffe will change at least one person's life when he pulls the winning ticket from Thursday's final draw.
"It's difficult to imagine. It's a lot of money. I don't know what kind of feeling I will have. It's weird," says Plouffe. "People say, 'Hey, you will call me next Thursday!' or 'Hey, don't forget to pick my ticket!' It's great — the interaction with the people."
'Catch the Ace' Mechanics
In the station's contest, tickets are sold each week for the 'Catch the Ace' contest. A portion of the funds from ticket sales go toward running the contest, 35 per cent of ticket sales goes to help raise funds for more than 50 organizations in the Gatineau Valley region, 20 per cent goes toward the weekly prize, and 30 per cent goes toward the cumulative "Catch the Ace" grand prize.
Each week, a ticket is pulled for a weekly cash prize and that winner then gets a chance to "Catch the Ace". If the ace of spades is found, they also win the grand prize. If it isn't found, another round is played the following week. After 51 weeks, the ace of spades is the only card left in the deck.
A Growing Jackpot
This is the second time the radio station has put on the contest. Last time, it only lasted 16 weeks. "It's incredible. We never thought it would go the entire way," says Plouffe. "It's good because that means more money for the organizations in the area."
The lucky ticket will be drawn live on air at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The winner will not only walk away with the massive prize, but also be the talk of the town for weeks to come. This 'Catch the Ace' lottery has brought the community together, and the anticipation for the final draw is palpable. It's a reminder that sometimes, even the simplest of games can lead to life-changing rewards.
A Community Effort
The success of the 'Catch the Ace' lottery in Maniwaki is a testament to the power of community involvement. The local residents, eager to win the massive jackpot, have fueled the contest's popularity. But beyond the allure of the prize, the lottery has also served as a significant fundraiser for numerous organizations in the Gatineau Valley region. The contest has fostered a sense of unity, bringing people together in anticipation of the final draw. It's a reminder that even in a small town, a simple game can have a profound impact on the community.
Looking Ahead
The Maniwaki 'Catch the Ace' lottery has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the town. The massive jackpot has generated widespread excitement, and the fundraising aspect has benefited local organizations. As the final draw approaches, the anticipation is building, and the lucky winner is sure to be the talk of the town. The success of this contest is a testament to the power of community and the allure of a life-changing prize. The story of Maniwaki's 'Catch the Ace' will likely be told for years to come, as a reminder of the time a small town came together for a chance at a fortune.
