Connie Thompson of Williams Lake said she’s still on cloud nine after learning Monday, Sept. 13, she won the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Prize Home.
“I couldn’t sleep all night,” she told Efteen Tuesday morning.
The home is valued at $1.8 million and located in South Surrey.
Connie said she has been buying tickets for the draw for a few years.
She would receive email reminders if there were still tickets available and usually learn who won through an email.
However, on Monday evening when she remembered the draw was supposed to take place that evening, she decided to tune into Global News on TV.
READ MORE: Williams Lake resident wins 87th annual PNE prize home
Her husband Stewart Thompson and their 20-year-old twin daughters were out of the room doing their own thing when Connie heard herself named as the winner on the TV.
“I called out to one of my daughters that I’d won, and she said I did not sound like someone who had just won something. I said to her, ‘no, I friggin’won.’ She went outside and told her dad there was something wrong with me that I’d won something maybe.”
The next thing that happened was the phone rang.
It was Shelley Frost, the president and CEO of the PNE congratulating Connie.
“We were trying to turn down the TV, it was a crazy few minutes,” Connie said.
Their plan is to sell the home and use some of the money to upgrade their own home in Pine Valley just north of the city.
“Our daughters are still with us and starting out their lives, but we’ve told them they will still need to follow their dreams.”
Stewart was born in 100 Mile House but moved to Williams Lake when he was 5 years old.
Originally from Alberta, Connie worked with Stewart’s sister in Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
“She invited me to come to Williams Lake with her and I met Stewart,” Connie said. “It was instant love.”
Connie has worked for the Cariboo Friendship Society for 27 years and has lived in Williams Lake for 29 years.
Other than winning $1,000 on a lottery ticket one time, this is her first big win.
They will be going to tour the home in Surrey on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.
“It’s pretty exciting. Every time it comes up on the news, my husband wells up with tears.”
More than 730,000 tickets for the draw were sold at the PNE as well as online or by phone.
Wayne Canessa of Surrey won the 50/50 draw worth $869,205.
Proceeds from the lottery support a variety of non-profit programs at the Pacific National Exhibition, including agriculture, community, educational incentives, arts and a large number of other local efforts.
Proceeds from the lottery support a variety of non-profit programs at the Pacific National Exhibition, including agriculture, community, educational incentives, arts and a large number of other local efforts.
2021 PNE Prize Home Grand Prize Package
3,600 square foot modern masterpiece spanning three levels; 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
Main level features open concept living with walk-out access to a private backyard oasis
Large master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet, two additional bedrooms and bathrooms
Spacious home gym, media room, and a guest bedroom and bathroom
Stylish indoor furniture throughout from Yaletown Interiors
Premium appliances including a Samsung laundry pair
Electric vehicle charger and high efficiency heat pump
Development bordering McNally Creek and its protected greenspace
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