2015 STORIES
Stories from Bay Treasure Chest Winners
December 23, 2015: Chris Richards wins $5,652 with #2931
Kellie Allen (R), Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer presenting cheque to Chris (L) at Hubley Pizza.
Chris plans to use his winnings to take his family to Florida as they have young children.
December 16, 2015: Patricia Ferguson wins $5,632 with #7358
Lynn Coward, Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer presenting cheque to Patricia (M) with Emma Paul (R) of the Bike & Bean Cafe.
Patricia was very excited to win $5,632, and plans to share her winnings in the Christmas spirit.
December 9, 2015: Patricia Bonang wins $5,646 with #9244
Dec. 9th winner Patricia Bonang (L) and Fred Dolbel, Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer
Patricia says her $5,646 win was the “first time I have ever won anything”. We were both so excited we forgot to hold the winner’s cheque in the photo!
Pat and her husband are long time residents of Seabright and Pat has been playing her 2 Toonies for some time now. She also reminds her son to play his Toonie whenever the prize goes over $10,000.
Pat is going to make her winnings go a long way – some for several charities, some to make her family’s Christmas a little special, and some to be saved for a “rainy day”.
December 2, 2015: Norma Minard wins $5,750 with #3957
Norman Picton (L), BTC volunteer, presents a cheque for $5,750 to Norma Minard.
Norma Minard of Timberlea registered for #3957 August 27th, 2014 and played continuously for 67 weeks. December 2nd she was the winner of $5,750.
Norma works for the Nova Scotia Health Authority and her work takes her all over the municipality. She commented that she sees the impact BTC has had on the community, particularly for her clients that are using Bay Rides and benefiting from Seniors’ programs.
Norma will use the money to pay off a few bills, for retirement, and a trip in March. She is grateful to her friends who play her Toonies for her when she isn’t able to be in the area.
November 25, 2015: Deborah Loughnan wins $5,628 with #1493
Anne Martell (L) Bay Treasure Chest, Deborah Loughnan (C), and Ellen Helmke (R) owner Otis & Clementine’s.
Deborah, latest winner of the Bay Treasure Chest, has deep roots in the Bay. Her Mom (a Dauphinee) is a member of the Eastern Star and her father is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Deborah plays her Toonie weekly at Otis and Clementine’s and told us that she “feels like she’s always been a member of the Bay community and loves the idea of being able to contribute to the community through the Bay Treasure Chest”.
Deborah plans to use her winnings of $5,628 towards a renovation of her laundry room (laundering the BTC $???) and to pay off her credit card. Oh yes, Deborah has also promised to buy a few books at Otis and Clementine’s!
November 18, 2015: Colleen Paton wins $5,655 with #5201
Colleen Paton (R) receiving her $5,655 cheque from Bay Treasure Chest volunteer Beth McGee (L).
Colleen’s Bay Treasure Chest number 5201 was the number drawn in the week #84 draw on November 18, almost exactly one year after Colleen first registered for her number. Colleen plans to use the money on travel for her family!
The bridge art in the background is on the overpass over the BLT Rails to Trails near exit 4 of Hwy 103. The bridge artwork was paid for by funds from BLT Rails to Trails, Wooden’s River Watershed Environmental Organization and Five Bridges Wilderness Heritage Trust.
November 12, 2015: Kenny Tufts wins $5,652 with #8382
Kenny Tuft’s Bay Treasure number 8382 was the number drawn in the week #83 draw on November 12 making Kenny the recipient of a $5,652 cheque.
He plans on using the money for Christmas, and looks forward to buying gifts for his grandchildren.
No wonder they have smiles on their faces in this picture of them with Grandad!
November 4, 2015: Tanya Stewart wins largest prize to date – $29,383 with #2814
Tanya (L) receives her cheque, the largest to date for the Bay Treasure Chest, from Lynn Coward, BTC Volunteer. Winning number played at Redmond’s Hardware.
September 30, 2015: Barbara Peart wins $5,246 with #2303
Pictured presenting the cheque to Barb is Chanice Johnson, a Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer from the Toy Library and her 4-year old daughter Nile, Denis Dineen, Delish owner, and Claire Francis, Delish manager.
Barb Peart, a well-known Bay artist was in the Valley for her first art symposium when she received the call that she had won $5,246. She plays her number (2303) at Delish and always “teases” Denis that she never wins. Barb was extremely grateful and is looking forward to using her winnings to further her artistic exploration and creativity.
September 23, 2015: Carolin Dauphinee wins $15,709 with #2314
Lynn Coward (R), from Bay Treasure Chest, presents a cheque to our winner Carolin Dauphinee for $15,709 with #2314!
When asked how she planned to spend her winnings Carolin said she was still in shock and hadn’t thought about how she would use her winnings. “I’m just going to see what comes along”,she said. Carolin has been playing all eight of her numbers on a regular basis and it finally paid off!
This is the 5th winner to have played their winning number at Smitty’s… not only a great place to eat but a lucky place for winners to play!
September 2, 2015: Lori Saunders wins the biggest prize yet $24,837 with #9279
Bay Treasure Chest Winner Anne Martell (L) from Bay Treasure Chest, presents a cheque to Lori Saunders who is joined on this happy occasion by her youngest son Rory, husband Chris and oldest son Liam (front and centre)
Lori Saunders must have had a golden horseshoe over her head last Wednesday (week #73). That was when she went to Delish to register a number for the Bay Treasure Chest, something that she had heard all her friends talking about. But because of unprecedented demand, Delish was out of registration forms so she was referred to Redmonds as the place to register but they too were out of forms. Lori was then referred to Otis and Clementine’s where… with the pickup deadline rapidly approaching… she finally found a registration form and was helped by owner, Ellen Helmke, with the registration process.
A few hours later after a very thorough mixing of the BTC drum, Lori’s number, 9279, was drawn. When phoned to advise Lori that she had won $24,873, the BTC team was met by a stunned silence. Lori was totally overwhelmed and it actually took two days before her win sank in. The Saunders family plans to buy an IPAD for the home (Liam is particularly excited about this), take a family trip in the spring and pay off some bills. And oh yes, Liam reminded his family that a portion of the funds will be gifted to the ALS Society. Congratulations Lori!
July 29, 2015: Jean Hunt wins $4,109 with #1187
Susan Picton (R) of the Bay Treasure Chest presents a cheque for $4,109 to Jean Hunt of Haliburton Hills at Redmonds Hardware.
Jean has played BTC regularly since April 19, 2014 and was very excited to be this week’s winner. Jean has family visiting from Edmonton this Summer and plans to treat them to some special Nova Scotia hospitality.
Her daughter starts University in September and is hoping for a “special shopping trip”.
Jean has many friends, impressed by her winnings, who now plan to register and play regularly.
July 22, 2015: Peter MacAulay wins $12,509 with #8680
Peter MacAulay (L) receives his winner’s cheque for $12,509 in Redmond’s Home Hardware from Anne Martell (R), a Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
Peter MacAulay, a long-time resident of Upper Tantallon, sure knows how to turn July rain showers into gold nuggets! By playing his lucky #8680 at Redmond’s Home Hardware he won $12,509!
Peter said that the win came at a good time for him because, like everything else, his computer was getting old and he needed to replace it… soon! He plans to use the remainder of his winnings to pay down bills. Peter noted that one of the best things about winning the Bay Treasure Chest prize is that it comes tax free!
July 2, 2015: Jackie O’Flaherty wins $3,914 with #3658
Jackie O’Flaherty (L) receives her winner’s cheque from Howard Gray, Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
Persistence and consistency helped Jackie O’Flaherty in the July 2, 2015 draw when her number 3658 was drawn from the drum for a prize of $3,914.
Jackie and her husband, Ron, have 5 numbers which they play regularly. They take pleasure in supporting the Bay Treasure Chest fundraising initiative.
Reflecting on the dismal weather for the first half of 2015, Jackie thinks her prize will go into their vacation fund for them to enjoy some nice, relaxing, and hopefully warmer, time.
June 24, 2015: Susan Keast wins $8,091 with #7605
Susan Keast (R) receives her winner’s cheque from Fred Dolbel, Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
We think Susan had a little assistance from positive karma as she helps 9 or 10 friends and family by regularly playing their Toonies for them, usually at Hubley Pizza where Susan’s Bay Treasure number 7605 won a nice fat $8,091 cheque from the June 24 draw.
Happy coincidence may have had a helping hand too. Susan told us how just one hour before receiving her lucky phone call her niece had remarked “I wonder if you or I will ever win the Bay Treasure Chest?” Susan said her niece was sure Susan was playing a trick when she called her niece back 2 hours later to announce her lucky win.
Susan and her husband have their 30th wedding anniversary and a nice vacation coming up so Susan’s winnings will add to their happy celebration.
June 10, 2015: Minette Nortje wins $3,936 with #4070
Minette Nortje (L) receives her cheque from Anne Martell, a Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
Minette Nortje, from Black Point, has played her #4070 every week, most often at the Bike & Bean, since she registered early Sept 2014. Her persistence paid off because her number was drawn on June 10th (week #61) winning her $3,936! Minette says the win came just in time to pay her taxes and some other bills. Then Minette smiled, and whispered that she also plans to buy a treat for her 16-year old cat, Bijou, and then Bijou smiled!
June 3, 2015: Doug Slaunwhite wins $8,043 with #6529
Doug Slaunwhite receives his cheque from Beth McGee, a Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
Doug Slaunwhite of Seabright played his winning number #6529 at Redmond’s Home Hardware and took home the prize of $8,043 at the 60th draw of the Bay Treasure Chest on June 3rd. He and his wife and daughter hadn’t had time to think about how they were going to spend their winnings. They were planning a camping trip… so who knows what wonderful ideas will arise from a family discussion with a cup of hot chocolate at night around a warm campfire?
The Slaunwhite family plays their numbers regularly and are great supporters of Bay Treasure Chest, and very pleased about the things that are happening in the community because of Bay Treasure Chest.
May 20, 2015: Diane Whiting wins $3,872 with #4331
Diane Whiting (R) receives her winner’s cheque from Julie Stover (L), Bay Treasure Chest volunteer at Redmond’s Home Hardware
One Seabright resident’s wish came true this Wednesday evening when she received “the call” that she had won.
Diane Whiting was very pleased and surprised to find out that her number #4331 was drawn in this week’s BTC draw.
Diane is excited to share the prize with her family. This month is her husband’s birthday, and he has been hinting around at having lobster. She thinks he’ll get his lobster. Diane also plans to help out her children.
May 13, 2015: Darleen Bennett wins $7,962 with #3616
Darlene Bennett (L) receives her winner’s cheque from Fred Dolbel (R), Bay Treasure Chest volunteer
Darlene is looking forward to her daughter’s wedding this Fall, and another daughter is expecting a new granddaughter for Darlene within the month so Darlene knows what she will do with her winnings!
Congratulations! Darlene plays her 4 numbers every week usually at Smitty’s or Leftys or Redmond’s Hardware as she drops by.
Her number 3616 was the lucky one.Treasure Chest volunteers who make a weekly draw and call a winner often have as much fun as the winner does. Tonight’s phone call to winner Darlene was typical. At the draw we hear Darlene’s “Are you serious?!” about 3 times – to which our reply was “Yes, how about $7,962 serious 8 -) “
April 15, 2015: Karen Corbett and Tom Hill share their $3,836 winnings from #7530
Karen Corbett and Tom hill holding their winners’ cheque after one of their lucky numbers #7530 was drawn in the Bay Treasure Chest’s Week #53 draw
Karen and Tom are a retired couple who met 10 years ago. “This (win) comes at a very good time,” Karen said. The couple plan to use the money to pay property taxes on their home in Hammonds Plains as well as some repairs to their driveway but are saving a bit of their winnings to take the grandchildren and rest of the family out for brunch at Smitty’s where they play their numbers every week.
They found out about the Bay Treasure Chest’s weekly draw from the Masthead News and promptly registered jointly for five numbers in mid-March.
Tom said, “I love our local paper. It has lots of news and I enjoy reading it more than the bigger city papers.”
April 8, 2015: Shawn MacDonald wins $3,641 with #5723
Julie Stover (L), Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer presents cheque for $3,641 to Shawn MacDonald (R) at Hubley Pizza, where he played his lucky Toonie.
Week #52 BTC Winner Shawn MacDonald of Hubley has only been playing BTC for a few months now, but has played consistently since registering. He was very excited about the win.
Shawn works in the trades and has had very little work as a result of the heavy winter. He has just started back to work full-time and will use his winnings to help pay of the debt incurred while not working. Shawn is now the 4th man to win, and the second winner from a Toonie played at Hubley Pizza.
April 1, 2015: Phil Lively plays five numbers, and his number 5530 won him $3,756
Phil Lively (L) is presented with a cheque by Fred Dolbel (R), a Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer.
Phil Lively’s first words on arriving at Redmond’s Home Hardware to collect his April 1st winnings were “I’m tired of shoveling snow! I’m going to use my winnings to buy a good snow blower”. Many of us will say “Amen” to that.
Phil makes sure he plays all five of his Treasure Chest numbers each time he plays at Redmond’s Home Hardware. Immediately after Phil received his $3,756 cheque he deposited his 5 Toonies in the treasure chest for next week’s draw he smiled and asked “Has anyone ever won this draw twice?”
Luck is what you make it!
March 19, 2015: The Winning Women of Hacketts Cove – Week 49’s winning number #3708, $11,243
Anne Martell (L), Bay Treasure Chest Volunteer presents a cheque to Chris Morash and her daughter Beth Morash (L)
First there was Beth Covey who won $6,450 through the Bay Treasure Chest. Then there was Edie Richardson who won $3,052. And, most recently there is Chris Morash who is sharing her windfall of $11,243 with her daughter Beth Morash who also plays the Bay Treasure Chest.
Not only are all these women from the community of Hacketts Cove… they are all related as well! Chris Morash is sister to Beth Covey (who of course is aunt to Beth Morash). And Edie Richardson is Chris Morash’s grandmother (in-law)!
What are the odds that 4 of our 20 Bay Treasure Chest winners to date are related? …and living in the same community?
Chris plans to spend her share of the $11,243 on her ongoing home renovations as well as on a special gold ‘trinket’ (Chris says she loves her trinkets!). Daughter Beth plans to put her share towards the purchase of an ATV, a purchase she could only dream about before lucky number 3708 was pulled. (Mother and daughter had promised each other that whose ever number won, they would share the proceedings 50/50).
The winning number was played at The Whale’s Back.
February 11, 2015: Bay Treasure Chest’s Week #44 Winner was Lorraine Heffler
Norm Picton, Bay Treasure Chest volunteer presents cheque for $3,426 to Lorraine Heffler
Lorraine was very excited about her good fortune as she should be since she is a “double first”… our first winner from Black Point and our first winner who played at the Bike & Bean!
Lorraine is a faithful player having registered two numbers 7 weeks after the Bay Treasure Chest was launched back in April of last year and has played every week since… 38 weeks without missing a week! Her consistency paid off on February 11th when her number #1729 was drawn and she took home $3,426.
She is amazed at the amount of money BTC has raised for the community and how it has “caught on”. She commended the group of volunteers who initiated this fund raiser, and feels that it is extremely well organized and well thought out.
February 4, 2015: Bay Treasure Chest’s Week #43 Winner was Lily Mahar
Ruth Ann Moger (L) from Bay Treasure Chest presents a cheque for $3,382 to Lily Mahar (R)
What luck!!! Lily Mahar registered the week of Jan 21st, played 3 times and on February 4th her lucky number #6715 was drawn making her $3,382 richer on only her 3rd try! How lucky is that?
When asked what she intended to do with the money she said “During the recent rainstorm we had quite a bit of water damage so some of the winnings will be put to good use towards the cost of the repairs.
January 28, 2015: Maureen Cyr from Hubley wins big! Playing #544 she won $13,730 in the Bay Treasure Chest’s 42nd weekly draw
Bay Treasure Chest’s Harry Ward presents a cheque for $13,730 to winner Maureen Cyr
Maureen has been persistent having played her Toonie 35 times in the past 42 weeks that the Bay Treasure Chest has been in existence. Her persistence paid off when she played at Hubley Pizza and won big on the January 28th weekly draw.
When asked what she was planning to do with the money she replied: “This is such a blessing for us as my husband Ken and I have just been through a rough few months that has put a strain on our finances… it could not have happened at a better time. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!”.
She also wanted to give the community a message: “Keep supporting the Bay Treasure Chest… you could be next! And, it looks like an EXTRA LARGE PIZZA will be in order for us tonight!