It took a few tries for us to reach our latest raffle winner, Mike M. He lives in Edmonton but was traveling when we made the phone call. It’s worth taking the call, right? When someone wants to give you $159,397, you need to pick up the phone!
The call quickly became a lot of fun, for all involved.
Our CEO, Adam Mitchell, asked Mike, “Do you have any idea why I might be calling?”
Mike’s reply is perfect. “If you tell me I won the 50/50 draw, I’d be really surprised but also excited!”
Mike has been a monthly CKUA donor since 2015, but this was the first time he bought 50/50 tickets. He bought a hundred for $100, and says he just thought of it as a donation. “I just got to thinking, would I donate $100? Of course I would.”
A knowledgeable music fan who’s interested in many styles of music, Mike says, “My musical tastes stretch across genres.” He’s particularly fond of CKUA’s jazz programming.
His plans for spending his winnings are rooted in community. He’s going to build what he calls a “makerspace,” a community workshop for woodworking. “My concept is that old guys need a place to go once they retire. Young people don’t necessarily have the finances to exercise their passion for things like woodworking.”
In Mike’s vision, the makerspace provides the venue, the tools, and the equipment that experienced woodworkers use to build things. Then the invitation to collaborate, learn, and hang out is extended to young people who want to learn.
Mike notes that many retired people have to give up their workshops or their garages when they move from houses into condos. This would be a space for intergenerational learning and friendships.
When asked about his experience of the 50/50 raffle, Mike doesn’t mince words. “If you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win! It’s a small price to pay to support a wonderful organization that is creating a music community. And more than a music community. A real foundation of Alberta. And you might just get lucky.”
We love your idea for the woodworking space, Mike. We hope you will invite CKUA for a live broadcast or maybe even a community workshop once the makerspace is open!
Thanks to all who support CKUA by playing our 50/50 raffles.
CKUA’s Spring 50/50 raffle is on now! Sales end on June 11 at midnight; play today!
