Congratulations to "early bird" Ross Randazzo.
His ticket (No. 1121) was pulled from the drum by Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer at the BWG Canada Day Celebration, the first of three early-bird winners of $1,000 in the Bradford Lions’ 2019 Mammoth Draw.
The Lions' draw for cash and vehicles is a major fundraiser for the local service club. The funds raised support a wide range of community projects, from the Lions Aquatics Centre at the BWG Leisure Centre and the Field House at Henderson Memorial Park, to the food bank, Scouts and Guides, Big Brothers Big Sisters of York, minor sports, and the BWG Santa Claus Parade.
Only 1,700 tickets have been printed for a chance at $115,222.15 in prizes – including the grand prize of a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and consolation prize of a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
Ticket prices went from $100 to $120 for the 66th annual Mammoth Draw to help cover rising costs - but each ticket not only provides a chance to win prizes, it also admits two to an elimination-style draw at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre (old arena) on Sept. 7, for a beef buffet dinner, social gaming night, live entertainment, and dancing to music by a DJ.
“If you haven’t got a ticket yet, please come and see us,” said Lions' Club member Jim Slykhuis. “All the money we raise in the draw stays in the community.”
Tickets are available by calling 905-775-9170, and at selected retailers in Bradford, including Canadian Tire, Leo & John’s, Bradford Sobeys, The Car Guy Auto Service, Decorator’s Edge, Pet Valu, Bradford Print Shoppe, Bradford Rental, and The Village Inn.
The next early-bird draw will take place at Carrot Fest on Aug. 17. Randazzo’s winning ticket goes back into the drum, and he will be eligible for the two remaining draws and the Mammoth Draw on Sept. 7.