Despite a slower than usual start in sales for the main draw, the 2019 Rotary Dream Home Lottery crossed the finish line with totals surpassing 2018.
The 50-50 draw hit record highs for the second consecutive year. With the eventual winner taking home $573,200, up from $550,000 a year ago.
Raffle Manager Kevin Hilgers says across the board they took in over $77,000 more than a year ago.
“February was a tough month for weather, and that wasn’t a help. So we did some catch-up, and catch up we did.”
For Hilgers, the attention now turns to pick the winners, which is something he says gives him a feeling that can’t be described.
“It’s pretty fun to call people up and say ‘you just won a $1.4 million home’. Generally, they hop in a vehicle pretty quickly and are there that evening if they’re close by. It makes for a very memorable evening.”
The final draw for the 26th annual lottery takes place 7 p.m. at the Dream Home in Carriage Lane Estates.