Cougars hand over $15,000 cash!
August 6, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, IL - With just 15 games left in the Kane County Cougars 15th Anniversary season, sponsored by Provena Mercy Medical Center, the team gave away $15,000 tonight to Joanne Hass of Elmhurst, Illinois. As a result of the Cougars 15-2 victory over the Dayton Dragons, the team selected one lucky seat number to be awarded the cash prize. In the right spot at the right time, Joanne and her husband, Richard, are now $15,000 richer and the recipients of the largest cash giveaway to a Cougars fan.
"It was a bit overwhelming at first." explained Joanne, "First [the public address announcer] called our section and then our row. I couldn't believe it when my seat was announced!"
A 40-year resident of Elmhurst, Joanne's first inclination was to get a new roof with the winnings; however, after further thought, she looks to possibly extend an upcoming vacation. Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary just three weeks ago on July 16, the couple is taking a romantic getaway to Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Joanne and Richard attended tonight's Cougars game as part of an annual trip with family and friends known as the self-proclaimed "Hass Hooligans." Growing over the years, more than thirty-five adults and kids joined the Hass's for their most memorable Cougars outing.
"My husband and I came eight years ago with some friends and had so much fun that we decided to bring the whole family. Rich and Joanne have been a part of it every year since," explained the group leader and daughter-in-law Kathy Hass.
Playing a role in Joanne's receiving the cash prize, Kathy actually assigned the seats of all of her guests ahead of time in a detailed spreadsheet which listed guest name and seat location.
"We love the fun, the fireworks and all of the great people," Richard talks of the Cougars experience. "I also love the pork chop sandwich."
"I love Jake the Diamond Dog," Joanne added.
This is the first time the Cougars have awarded such a prize at Elfstrom Stadium.
"What an exciting night! We had a great win, a great crowd and a great finale!" boasts Cougars General Manager Jeff Sedivy. "The fans got into the whole event - we've had eight or ten opportunities to do this over the last couple months - it could not have happened at a better time or to better people!"
Midwest League Stories from August 6, 2005
- Cougars hand over $15,000 cash! - Kane County Cougars
- Raab helps Hawks handle Lugnuts, 5-1 - Lansing Lugnuts
- Devil Rays back on winning track - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
- Swing sting Bees in extras - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Johnson and Colton give big crowd something to cheer - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Dragons Pounded by Kane County 15-4 - Dayton Dragons
- Beloit's Slowey narrowly misses flawless game - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Raab Goes Distance For Win - South Bend Silver Hawks
- Swing rally falls short - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Ramos released by Angels, will head back to school - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Lumberkings take 3 of 4 from Swing - Clinton LumberKings
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