Chase the Ace fundraiser gives small town Sask. theatre a new lease on life

It's not poker or blackjack, but you could say Lil Hoffmanaced one of southern Saskatchewan's most competitive card games.

She cashed in on $170,000 during a year-longfundraising initiative called Chase the Ace out of Indian Head, Sask.The initiative was being held to raise money to restore the town's grand theatre.

"I was shocked," said Hoffman, who received the news by phone and responded with: "Are you kidding?"

The game, most often a fundraiser, is popular on Canada's east coast.

It consists of one full deck of face-down cards, spread out. Participants purchase one or more tickets for five dollars a piece.

Each week a name is drawn and the winner picks one carduntil the ace of spades is revealed. The person who picks that card isawarded the cash pot.

On Tuesday, Hoffman's winning card was the last one left in the deck. The fundraiser had startednearly a year ago in November.

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The scene

Initially a Pilot Butte woman's name was drawn as Tuesday night's winner. With only two cards remaining, it was a tense scene, according to theatre boardmember Don Jewitt.

The woman's hands hovered from card to card in an anxious attempt to choose, Jewittexplained, notingthe crowd filled the theatre with cheers of "right!" and "left!"

"She chose right, but she chose wrong," said Jewitt.

With one lonely card left on the table,Hoffman's name was drawn and the prize was all hers.

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Renos

Theremaining $283,000 after the prize payoutwill go towardmuch needed renovations forthe Indian Head Grand Theatre.

The theatre's roof was re-finished last week, but there are plans in place for further renovations to the lobby area and upstairs apartment space.

Jewitt hopes to see the theatre in prime condition within the next few years.