STRAITS, NL – Stacie Genge can’t remember exactly how she reacted when she drew the Ace of Spades.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was just in shock and excited,” says the 23-year-old from Anchor Point.
In fact, the following morning she told the Northern Pen she was still in shock, and didn’t sleep the previous night because she was so excited.
On Wednesday, Jan 17, Genge won $24,963.60, the grand prize in the Straits Fire Department’s Chase the Ace draw.
It was the 38th week into the contest and the first night Genge had attended the draw, held at Canon Richards Memorial Academy in Flower’s Cove.
When she stepped to the deck, there were just 15 cards left.
She says she was just looking forward to getting the $1,000-consolation prize; the thought never occurred to her that she might draw the Ace of Spades and become $25,000 richer at the end of the night.
Genge intends to use the money to build a porch on her and her boyfriend’s home, replace shingles on the house, and help pay for bills.
To celebrate next weekend, they plan on heading to St. John’s to spend some time with friends.
Both Genge and her boyfriend, Travis, work in the fishery – she works at the fish plant and he works on a shrimp dragger.
The Straits Fire Department, which covers all communities in the Straits region, held the Chase the Ace draw to raise money for a new fire hall in Flower’s Cove.
All funds will go towards its cost share on that project.
The total amount raised for the fire hall was still to be calculated as of Thursday morning.
Additional fundraisers are also being held to help pay for the project. L&E Restaurant in Flower’s Cove and Hill Top Mini Mart in Green Island Cove are each holding a 50/50 draw every week.
The fire department has also been selling various items including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and escape ladders.
Fire Chief Hank Diamond, on behalf of the fire department, congratulated Genge and wished to thank all the people who came out to support Chase the Ace each week.
He also thanked the school and staff of Canon Richards, the RCMP and organizations that bought tickets as a group each week, and the firefighters and ladies auxiliary, which he says ensured a well-organized and successful event.
