No one won the top prize in Catch the Ace fundraiser in Sault Ste. Marie Thursday night and that means almost a quarter of a million dollars will be up for grabs next week.
So far, this contest has raised about $600,000 for two local charities.
While people are hoping they get the chance to "catch the ace," staff with two local charities Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Group Health Centre Trust Fund are enjoying the build-up.
That's because each week, they benefit more from this fundraiser with more money added to the pot.
Natasha Collett is a trust fund coordinator for Group Health Centre Trust Fund in Sault Ste. Marie.
"What it means is we're able to afford the medical equipment that we need for our patients. We serve over 80,000 patients in the Sault.” said Collett.
Rebecca Bolton is the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sistersof Sault Ste. Marie.
"The revenue generated from Catch the Ace and generously donated by the Esquire Club honestly keeps our doors open.” said Bolton.
In 44 weeks, this fundraiser has generated near $150,000 for each organization.
Money the staff says is greatly needed.
"Currently we have 83 children we are serving. Honestly, we could triple that number in three months if we knew we had the money to continue to offer the programs and the supervision with our mentor coordinator that we do.” said Bolton.
“Currently we are trying to raise $285,000 for our surgery program, part of our better for all of us campaign. So, this money would go to that campaign, which would directly help people here in the Sault." said Collett.
Representatives with both organizations say they never expected to receive this much money from a third-party event, like Catch the Ace.
They say they're thankful for all of the hard work the Esquire Club is doing.
