EDMONTON — One lucky Edmonton woman walked away from Monday night’s Oilers game with more than $150,000.
Kimberly Payne won the 50/50 jackpot at the split-squad pre-season game against the Calgary Flames at Rexall Place. The grand prize was $154,167.50.
Payne wasn’t the only one to benefit from the lottery. Edmonton’s Youth Empowerment and Support Services received about $27,000 of the overall prize, and the timing couldn’t be better for the charitable organization.
“To win like we did last night was amazing,” said Deb Cautley, YESS executive director.
Just a couple weeks ago, YESS — which provides services to homeless and at-risk youth in Edmonton — announced it would have to cut staff hours and some meal services because of record low donations.
“For us, the money is invaluable and we’re so appreciative of what the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation does in the community and how they support kids like ours that are often forgotten,’ said Cautley.
“This really helps the kids be able to have support while they’re trying to take some control over their own lives and be stable enough to start making changes.”
Monday night’s 50/50 jackpot started at $49,380 because the take-home prize from last season’s April 7 game went unclaimed. The total jackpot was $209,575. The way it breaks down is, the charitable organization receives a base pay of $6,000, plus a 20 per cent commission over $100,000.