Kraken 50/50 Raffle Winners Share Life-Changing Experiences
At a recent Kraken game, fan Ramon Barrientes experienced a day filled with joy and unexpected fortune. Accompanied by his seven-year-old daughter, Mirra, this was not only her first hockey game but also a memorable bonding moment for them. Thanks to free tickets provided by his employer, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 242, the duo was ready to enjoy the game together.
A Lucky Raffle Ticket Purchase
While at the Climate Pledge Arena, the excitement of the day led Barrientes to take a chance he typically wouldn’t. They stumbled upon a team volunteer selling tickets for the One Roof Foundation 50/50 Raffle, which supports local charities. Despite his usual frugality, Barrientes decided to go for the $100 ticket option, feeling a burst of good luck in the air.
“I don’t usually do this kind of stuff,” said Barrientes, who works as a construction foreman. “But my daughter was having such a good time. So, I thought, ‘What the heck?’” Little did he know that this decision would lead to a life-changing moment.
Winning Big
By the end of the game, Barrientes discovered he had won a staggering $33,000, the largest 50/50 prize awarded during the season. “It blew my mind,” he recalled, still in disbelief. The 50/50 raffle, a longstanding tradition in sports arenas, splits the collected funds between the winner and a charitable cause. In this case, all proceeds support the Kraken’s One Roof Foundation.
Amidst the thrill of winning, Barrientes initially didn’t realize he had hit the jackpot. It was only after checking with a raffle attendant that he learned the full extent of his winnings. “I thought I’d get about $15,000, which would still be great,” he said, reflecting on his surprise upon hearing the actual amount. “Then she told me, ‘No, you won $33,000.’” His daughter’s reaction was priceless—“We’re rich!” she exclaimed, to which he humorously replied, “No, no, we’re not baby. But we’re definitely better off than before!”
Making Smart Choices
Since the raffle’s introduction in 2022, it has generated significant interest, with ticket sales reaching nearly $4 million and a record jackpot from last season of $218,150. Barrientes decided to use his winnings wisely. He organized a special celebration for Mirra, complete with as much ice cream as she could eat, but he also allocated funds for savings and important family needs. With his wife recovering from back surgery, he contributed $5,000 towards easing their financial burden. Additionally, he invested in education savings for all his children, ensuring a better future for them.
Community Spirit
Another early 50/50 winner, Samantha McGregor, echoed similar sentiments about the raffle’s impact. After purchasing a $20 ticket during the second game of the 2022 season, she was pleasantly surprised to win just under $10,000. “I always tell my friends you don’t need to spend big to win,” she shared. McGregor used her winnings to travel and see the Kraken play on the road, fulfilling her dream of supporting the team beyond home games.
After losing her husband last season, McGregor initially hesitated to continue her season ticket holder status. However, she found joy in volunteering to sell 50/50 raffle tickets, allowing her to remain connected to the team and contribute to the One Roof Foundation, which she greatly admires. “It felt good to be part of something bigger,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
Barrientes and McGregor’s stories highlight how the Kraken’s 50/50 raffle not only brings excitement to the games but also fosters community spirit and support. As fans engage with the team, they also contribute to meaningful causes, creating lasting memories and positive impacts in their lives.
