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A $600,000 donation from philanthropist Al Quesnel was the biggest surprise Saturday in Brentwood’s 30 years. the annual charity lottery draw.
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“It was a complete surprise,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Dulmage, following the three-hour drawing of 154 prizes, including the grand prize of a newly built Belle River home valued at $750,000.
“I had no idea until noon, I think I found out,” Dulmage said. “It’s just inspiring. (We are very grateful.
“Sometimes there are no words that adequately express the amount of gratitude we feel for how much this community and what Mr. Quesnel’s donation meant to us today. Thank you is not enough.”
A record 50,527 tickets were sold this year for the annual fundraiser that offered approximately $1 million in prizes.
In addition to the grand prix house built by builder Jeff Sylvestre, the 14 the home that the builder has made for Brentwood Recovery Home: three vehicles and numerous cash prizes were awarded.
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Dulmage said that COVID-19 “presented challenges because of the way we traditionally sold tickets,” which was largely face-to-face selling. This year used an online platform, vendor support, “an army of volunteers” and a phone call option.
“We were able to sell a record number of tickets last year and then this year we surpassed that number again,” he said.
“Once again, Windsor and this community are stepping up and going above and beyond to support us.”
But Quesnel’s donation, made in memory of his father Reginald Quesnel, was the icing on the cake on Saturday.
“I know how hard it can be sometimes,” Quesnel told the small group hosting the giveaway, as well as people watching the Facebook Live broadcast.
He said Brentwood is the place to be for those suffering from addictions, telling people who participate in Brentwood’s programs, “Know you’re in the right place. Believe you are on the right path.”
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Dulmage said the money will make a big difference.
“The way this community supports us and Mr. Quesnel’s extraordinary donation really helps us continue to provide programs and services to people in our community who need residential treatment for their addictions,” he said.
“Whether it’s alcohol addiction or drug addictions, it allows us to continue to do what we do and what Brentwood has done now for over 50 years.”
Verification of winning ticket holders had to be completed before the names of the winners were published. Organizers were unable to say at the time of publication how much money the lottery raised.
Reference-windsorstar.com