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(L-R) Manon Therriault, Red Deer Regional Health Foundation CEO, and Grand Prize Dream Home winners Cheri and Ryan Hudema in front of the 2023 Dream Home by Sorento Custom Homes. (Supplied)
Over a million in prizes

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation presents Hospital Lottery top prizes

Jul 21, 2023 | 11:59 AM

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation (RDRHF) presented the top prizes for its Red Deer Hospital Lottery and Mega Bucks 50 on Thursday.

Officials say the Grand Prize Dream Home package is valued at $1,126,465, including furnishings by Urban Barn and is the biggest prize in the Lottery’s 25-year history.

The key was presented to the winner, Ryan Hudema of Ponoka, on July 20. Officials say when informed that he was the grand prize winner, Hudema said he did not expect to win anything.

“The hospital has been super handy and we had our little baby girl there. I bought a ticket just because we were trying to do something for the hospital,” he said.

The bungalow by Sorento Custom Homes features 3,049 square feet of developed living space and 10 foot ceilings throughout the main floor. Among its features are the screened deck off the dining room, a large family room on the lower level, a large fitness room, a walk-in butler’s pantry, main floor laundry, and chef quality appliances.

According to the Foundation, next year’s dream home is already under construction a short distance away at 16 Emmett Crescent in Red Deer.

Manon Therriault, Foundation Chief Executive Officer, expressed appreciation at the prize presentation.

“It’s difficult to adequately express our gratitude to Sorento Custom Homes and the hardworking team who brought us our Dream Home this year,” she said, speaking of the Lottery’s biggest supporter. “Thanks as well to our dedicated volunteers. Every year, our volunteers work alongside our staff to make sure the Hospital Lottery is a success. These tireless individuals give generously of their time to help the cause. We can’t thank them enough.”

The Mega Bucks 50 prize of $303,382.50 was awarded to June and Ralph Melnick of Red Deer.

(L-R) Mega Bucks 50 winners Ralph and June Melnick. (Supplied)

RDRHF says this year’s proceeds from the Hospital Lottery and Mega Bucks 50 will provide for critically needed equipment for several units at Red Deer Hospital.

“Funding a variety of equipment means that even more central Albertans will benefit, ensuring Red Deer Hospital continues to meet the demands of the 500 thousand people in our Central Zone,” said Therriault.