An ace in the hole for Bay de Verde: massive fundraiser may hit $300K next week

Those hoping to cash in on a massive chase the ace jackpot in small town Bay de Verde will have to wait another week — or longer.

More than 2,300 people from all over the province and beyond blocked the community's streets and parish hall on Wednesday night, drawn by the lure of big money.

But most went away empty-handed, while organizers grapple with the prospect of hosting an even larger event next week.

Organizer Diane Sparkes was glad the ace wasn't pulled.

"That's more money now that we're going to make for the church," Sparkes said of the local Roman Catholic parish fundraiser.

"This is why we're doing this, and I'm quite happy."

Largest ever gathering in Bay de Verde?

Some say it was the largest gathering of people in the history of Bay de Verde, a renowned fishing community of about 400 inhabitants at the extreme northern tip of the Baccalieu Trail.

It all began last fall when just 64 people turned up for the first night of chase the ace, a lottery-like card game that has become a popular and successful fundraiser in many communities.

With each passing week, the ace of spades has remained hidden in the pack, meaning the jackpot has grown beyond everyone's wildest expectations.

Several hundred thousand dollars has already been raised, enabling some much-needed improvements to the local church, parish hall and rectory.

Word of the event has spread far and wide, and by Wednesday, just seven cards remained, including the elusive ace. 

Even the consolation prize was massive

People began arriving in Bay de Verde early in the afternoon and ticket sales continued at a brisk pace until the 8:30 p.m. deadline.

When sales were finally tallied up just after 9 p.m., organizers announced a possible jackpot of $213,341, and a consolation prize of more than $24,000.

There were big cheers as Sparkes displayed the ace, proving it was in play, and then quickly mixed it with the other six cards.

Mary Ridgeley and five other friends from the Goulds area of St. John's won the consolation prize, a massive sum in its own right, and the privilege of picking a card.

With those packed into St. Joseph's Hall looking on, Ridgeley turned over the two of diamonds, eliciting a chorus of groans, and ensuring the massive fundraiser will continue for at least another week, with the jackpot expected to surpass $300,000.

"It is so exciting. It is the best thing that's ever happened to Bay de Verde," said resident Kim Emberley.

The 50/50 prize was also massive, with Patsy Button winning nearly $15,000.

Now organizers have to decide whether to move the event for next week, fearing the town won't be able to handle an even bigger crowd.