Another record-breaking monthly 50/50 draw is helping to ensure the show goes on at Sarnia's Imperial Theatre.
Executive Director Brian Austin drew the winning ticket Monday for a take-home prize of $408,655.
"It was a humongous month, and the last weekend just blew us away -- the prize just kept growing and growing and growing. We're just beside ourselves with the support the community has given us."
The winning ticket number is E-7813706 -- Austin said the winner has been notified and will be announced in a few days.
Austin said it's so validating to see this kind of support for the theatre.
"I've been so inspired by most of the comments on our social media -- there are lots of comments about the money, but more so about how great this is for the theatre and how people will be able to come to concerts and shows moving forward, so it's just a feel-good story all around."
Austin said the community certainly knows how important the theatre is, especially to the city's downtown.
"We bring tens-of-thousands of people downtown every year and that helps out all of the restaurants and the boutiques down here -- so if we are able to ensure that we can open in a strong position, I think that's better for the economy downtown across the board."
Austin said Monday marks the beginning of the March 50/50 draw, and that the "pot of gold" will be increased for St. Patrick's Day with a $1,000 early bird prize, sponsored by Ups N' Downs.
January's winner took home $61,510.
