Philanthropist Quesnel donates $600,000 to Brentwood
Content of the article
A $600,000 donation from philanthropist Al Quesnel was the biggest surprise on Saturday at Brentwood’s 30th anniversary and annual charity lottery draw.
Content of the article
“It was a complete surprise,” said general manager Elizabeth Dulmage, after the three-hour draw for 154 prizes, including the grand prize of a newly built Belle River home worth $750,000.
“I had no idea until noon, I think I found out,” Dulmage said. “It’s just inspiring. (We are) so grateful.
“Sometimes there are no words that adequately express the amount of gratitude we feel for all that this community and what Mr. Quesnel’s gift meant to us today. Thanks is not enough.
A record 50,527 tickets were sold this year for the annual fundraiser which offered approximately $1 million in prizes.
In addition to the grand prix house built by builder Jeff Sylvestre — the 14 and house the builder made for Brentwood Recovery Home – three vehicles and numerous cash prizes were awarded.
Content of the article
Dulmage said COVID-19 “presented challenges with the way we traditionally sold tickets,” which was largely face-to-face selling. An online platform, vendor support, “volunteer army” and a phone call option were used this year.
“We were able to sell a record number of tickets last year, and then this year we surpassed that number again,” she said.
“Once again, Windsor and this community are stepping forward and going above and beyond to support us.”
But Quesnel’s donation, made in memory of his father Reginald Quesnel, was the icing on the cake on Saturday.
“I know how difficult it can be sometimes,” Quesnel told the small group organizing the draw as well as people watching the Facebook Live stream.
He said Brentwood is the place to be for those with addictions and told people who attend Brentwood programs, “Just know you’re in the right place. Believe that you are on the right track.
Content of the article
Dulmage said the money would make a huge difference.
“The way this community supports us and Mr. Quesnel’s extraordinary gift really helps us continue to provide programs and services to people in our community who need residential treatment for their addictions,” said she stated.
“Whether it’s alcohol addiction or drug addiction, it allows us to continue doing what we’ve been doing and what Brentwood has been doing now for over 50 years.”
Verification of winning ticket holders had to be completed before the names of the winners were released. Organizers were unable to say at press time how much money had been raised in the lottery.