Draw raises more than £70,000 for St Lawrence’s Church renovation

Paddy and Geraldine Colton and family presenting the first prize of a breeding heifer to 14 year old James Logue from Dromore. SU7645CD26 | TC

placeholder image — Paddy and Geraldine Colton and family presenting the first prize of a breeding heifer to 14 year old James Logue from Dromore. SU7645CD26 | TC

A COMMUNITY fundraising draw in aid of St Lawrence’s Church Renovation Fund has proved an outstanding success

A COMMUNITY fundraising draw in aid of St Lawrence’s Church Renovation Fund has proved an outstanding success, raising more than £70,000 through ticket sales.

Geraldine Colton presents Canon John McKenna, Trillick, with his £100 prize. SU7745CD26 | TC

Another £100 prizewinner Enda Gallen, Fintona receiving his prize from Geraldine and Paddy Colton. Included in the photo, extreme left, is Seamus Cullinan, draw coordinator and committee member. SU7845CD26 | TC

Paddy and Geraldine Colton present Niamh Cassidy with £500 (second prize in the draw) which was won by Niamh's children. Also included is Seamus Cullinan, draw coordinator and committee member. SU7945CD26 | TC

The eagerly anticipated draw took place at Fintona Golf Club on Saturday night, October 31, with a fantastic response from the local community helping to generate a substantial sum towards the church’s renovation work.

The first prize, a quality breeding heifer or a £2,000 cash alternative, was generously donated by Paddy and Geraldine Colton and their family.

It was 14-year-old James Logue, from Dromore, who scooped the coveted prize after his winning ticket was drawn by Geraldine Colton.

Described as being ‘farming mad’, James had no hesitation in choosing the heifer over the cash alternative.

He was subsequently pictured receiving his prize from the Colton family at their farm outside Fintona.

The second prize of £500 went to the Cassidy children from Dunamona Road, with their mother, Niamh Cassidy, pictured accepting the cheque from Paddy and Geraldine Colton. Also present was committee member Seamus Cullinan.

Five further prizes of £100 were awarded, with the lucky winners being Canon John McKenna, Trillick; Enda Gallen, Fintona; Eddie Reid, The Barr; Pauline Gill, Eskra; and Peadar Keown, Killeshill.

The remarkable sum raised represents a tremendous boost for the St Lawrence’s Church Renovation Fund and is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of everyone who supported the draw.

Organisers have extended their heartfelt thanks to the Colton family for their exceptionally generous donation of the first prize, as well as everyone who purchased and sold tickets.

Special recognition was given to Geraldine Colton, whose extraordinary efforts in selling tickets played a major part in the success of the fundraiser.

Her enthusiasm was boundless, with Geraldine making sure that wherever there was an opportunity to sell tickets, she was there with a book – or several books – in hand!

The organisers said the support received had been truly overwhelming, with the fantastic total of more than £70,000 reflecting the generosity and goodwill of the wider community.