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.
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!