Winning June 2021’s 50/50 draw helped Meryl Penman to check an item off of her bucket list
November 20, 2023
We caught up with one of our previous 50/50 winners to find out how the big jackpot enabled her to treat her family and realize her dreams.
When Brantford’s Meryl Penman won Drayton Entertainment's 50/50 jackpot in June 2021, she split her $85,790 winnings with one of her daughters, but she still had enough left to check one item off of her bucket list.
“I’ve always wanted to spend Christmas on the beach, so we went down to the Dominican Republic last Christmas with all the family,” she says, adding that she travelled with “two daughters, one husband, and three grandchildren. We sat on the beach Christmas Day, and it was lovely.”
After her vacation treat, Penman decided to be more practical with the rest of her windfall.
“We paid for renovations around the house. They always need doing, don’t they? We’ve been away for weekends, and we also put some in an account that we call ‘fun money’. And we bought lots of theatre tickets.”
The Cardiff native immigrated from Wales five decades ago. “We were young, I was a student nurse, and we decided we'd apply to Canada. When we got married, we came over here three weeks later.”
Brantford resident Meryl Penman during a recent trip back to the country of her birth.
Penman had planned on seeing the 2020 Season’s shows at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge and St. Jacobs Country Playhouse before the theatres went dark during the pandemic. “It was a rough time, with everything closing down,” she says.
She bought 50/50 lottery tickets as a way to keep supporting Drayton Entertainment. “We got a lot back in return, with all of the great shows."
Although musicals are her favourite, she also enjoys the range of productions that she sees on Drayton Entertainment's stages.
“I like dramas. We did 12 Angry Men, which was very good, and American Son. It’s nice to see a mix.”
The theatre-lover adds, “We just saw Evita, which was amazing. I think it was the best performance we’ve ever seen. You come away thinking, ‘Gosh, I wish I could sing,’ but it’s probably a bit too late for us!”
The December raffle will run through 11:59 p.m. on November 30, with a Grand Prize draw at noon on December 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.
In the News
November 13, 2024
Every Ticket Makes a Difference!On November 2, long-time Drayton Entertainment supporter Dennis Breen was thrilled to receive the exciting news from Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas, that he had won the online 50/50 Jackpot – a total of $6,110.
.png)
November 11, 2024
Drayton Entertainment Announces Artistic Leadership ShiftTransition to Support Theatre’s Multi-Year Succession Plan
Alex Mustakas, founding Artistic Director & CEO of Drayton Entertainment, as supported by the award-winning charitable arts organization’s volunteer Board of Directors, has announced a leadership transition as part of the theatre’s multi-year succession plan.
November 1, 2024
King's Wharf Theatre Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the King's Wharf Theatre.
“This is an exciting season filled with entertaining shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From hit Broadway musicals, musical reviews, and the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family.”
November 1, 2024
Drayton Festival Theatre Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Drayton Festival Theatre.
"This season is packed with shows that music lovers of all ages will adore,” says Mustakas. “From a Broadway juggernaut to shows with chart-topping hits, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy!”
November 1, 2024
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
“The 2025 Season is all about captivating stories and unforgettable music,” says Alex Mustakas. “With a mix of timeless classics, heartfelt dramas, and thrilling moments, there is something to engage and delight every theatregoer. Whether you come for the music, the drama, or the laughter, there’s a show waiting to resonate with you.”
November 1, 2024
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
“We’re excited to be offering a wide variety of shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From side-splitting comedies, to the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family.”
November 1, 2024
Huron Country Playhouse Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Huron Country Playhouse.
“This is an exciting season filled with entertaining shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From hit Broadway musicals, side-splitting comedies, and the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family!”
November 1, 2024
Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs.
“This season is brimming with shows that will have you humming along and tugging at your heartstrings,” says Mustakas. “With beloved musicals, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable moments, it’s a lineup that celebrates connection, nostalgia, and pure joy on stage!”
October 8, 2024
It Pays to Play!Congratulations to our September 50/50 Winner!
After playing regularly since the raffle began in 2021, Carol Boyd's ticket number was finally called!