It’s the concert of the summer and Jackie Strauss of Hamilton will be there.
She’s the grand prize winner of this year’s Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) Oasis 50/50 raffle fundraiser.
Along with two tickets to the sold-out show on Sunday, Strauss takes home half the jackpot total, a cool $18,347.50, as well as $500 in travel cash.
That means HSKWSP will also be receiving just over $18,000.
Beverly Martin, HSKWSP, Director of Marketing and Communications, said that money will go to very good use.
“The funds raised will go towards our essential programs such as our outreach work, our veterinary care, or sheltering and adoption services. Each year we help thousands of animals through sheltering and our medical procedures. All this money will go straight back into the work we’re doing.”
A portion will also go toward the Better Together capital campaign, raising money for a new and expanded outreach center.
While Martin said this year’s fundraiser has been an unmitigated success, it did fall short of last year’s, but there is a pretty good reason why.
“It was our second-largest 50/50 raffle. It doesn’t quite compare to the Taylor Swift effect we had last year, but that’s OK. I don’t think many things could compare to Taylor. But, it was very fun to see it (the jackpot) go up and up each day.”
Martin said while they have a number of events coming up this fall, they do intend to have another 50/50 raffle next year. As far as possible concerts, Martin said they’ll have to see who’s coming to town next summer.