When Lisa Wilton’s husband bought her a CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery ticket last November, he noted that the gift would be a flop if she lost or a dream if she won. It turned out to be the latter.
The 45-year-old woman from Woodlawn in rural west Ottawa learned Wednesday afternoon she is the winner of the lavish Minto home and other prizes worth than $1.7 million.
“I’m numb, I don’t know how I feel,” said Wilton, an educational assistant who works with special needs children. “I was saying that I’ve never won anything, nothing.”
Wilton was home sick when she received the call from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
“I thought it was someone just playing a prank,” said Wilton with a raspy voice.
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![The 2014 CHEO dream home is once again at Minto’s Mahogany community in Manotick. The 5,181-square-foot home (including the walkout basement) has four bedrooms, with an optional fifth, and five full bathrooms.]()
The 2014 CHEO dream home is once again at Minto’s Mahogany community in Manotick. The 5,181-square-foot home (including the walkout basement) has four bedrooms, with an optional fifth, and five full bathrooms.
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![The two-storey family room soars 18 feet to an elaborate coffered ceiling intertwined with timber beams in one of several examples of the fusion of rustic, industrial and contemporary styles. The Restoration Hardware light fixture adds to the effect, along with the floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround in a tile with hints of stone and wood, and the sleek quartz mantel.]()
The two-storey family room soars 18 feet to an elaborate coffered ceiling intertwined with timber beams in one of several examples of the fusion of rustic, industrial and contemporary styles. The Restoration Hardware light fixture adds to the effect, along with the floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround in a tile with hints of stone and wood, and the sleek quartz mantel.
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![In the kitchen, Shaker-style cherry cabinets in a wheat stain are balanced by an off-white Corian waterfall counter on the island and a subtle marble backsplash in a chevron pattern. A plethora of professional appliances, including a six-burner gas stove, complete this gourmet kitchen.]()
In the kitchen, Shaker-style cherry cabinets in a wheat stain are balanced by an off-white Corian waterfall counter on the island and a subtle marble backsplash in a chevron pattern. A plethora of professional appliances, including a six-burner gas stove, complete this gourmet kitchen.
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![Setting the stage as soon as you walk in the front door, the formal living room on one side sparkles with a drum-style chandelier ringed in dozens of glass balls and striking art that livens the palette of calm tones in the home.]()
Setting the stage as soon as you walk in the front door, the formal living room on one side sparkles with a drum-style chandelier ringed in dozens of glass balls and striking art that livens the palette of calm tones in the home.
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![The dining room is a mirror of the living room, sitting opposite it and featuring the same chandelier, herringbone-patterned hardwood and lively art. Pillars offer an elegant entrance to the space.]()
The dining room is a mirror of the living room, sitting opposite it and featuring the same chandelier, herringbone-patterned hardwood and lively art. Pillars offer an elegant entrance to the space.
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![Located in the centre of the home, the stained oak and cast iron semi-circular staircase anchors the family room and acts as a divider between the formal living and dining room at the front of the home and the informal family room and kitchen at the back. While it's a focal point, it doesn’t overpower the space, being airy enough for the eye to look past it.]()
Located in the centre of the home, the stained oak and cast iron semi-circular staircase anchors the family room and acts as a divider between the formal living and dining room at the front of the home and the informal family room and kitchen at the back. While it's a focal point, it doesn’t overpower the space, being airy enough for the eye to look past it.
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![The spacious master bedroom is a welcoming retreat in soft tones, with a repeat of the coffered timber beam ceiling found in the family room and a larger version of the elegant foyer chandelier.]()
The spacious master bedroom is a welcoming retreat in soft tones, with a repeat of the coffered timber beam ceiling found in the family room and a larger version of the elegant foyer chandelier.
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![In the master ensuite, a two-way fireplace looking into the bedroom adds to the spa-like feel, along with the rich vanity backsplash in matte and glossy finishes and the sculptural standalone tub.]()
In the master ensuite, a two-way fireplace looking into the bedroom adds to the spa-like feel, along with the rich vanity backsplash in matte and glossy finishes and the sculptural standalone tub.
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![On the other side of the master ensuite, a mosaic tile in the five-foot shower adds a touch of whimsy, while the pendant over the tub echoes ones found above the basement bar island, once again combining the different decor styles.]()
On the other side of the master ensuite, a mosaic tile in the five-foot shower adds a touch of whimsy, while the pendant over the tub echoes ones found above the basement bar island, once again combining the different decor styles.
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![In the basement, a star attraction is the home theatre, complete with theatre seating and a stunning sliding barn door to close out light and sound.]()
In the basement, a star attraction is the home theatre, complete with theatre seating and a stunning sliding barn door to close out light and sound.
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![A barn board accent wall with flat-screen TV provides a focal point for one of two relaxing areas in the basement. Nearby, a fully outfitted bar has room for everything in one spot — beer tap, fridge, freezer, ice maker, microwave, dishwasher and sink.]()
A barn board accent wall with flat-screen TV provides a focal point for one of two relaxing areas in the basement. Nearby, a fully outfitted bar has room for everything in one spot — beer tap, fridge, freezer, ice maker, microwave, dishwasher and sink.
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![The walkout basement leads to a cosy seating area under the main-floor deck. With cedar roof and gas fireplace feature wall, it makes the perfect spot to relax after a long day.]()
The walkout basement leads to a cosy seating area under the main-floor deck. With cedar roof and gas fireplace feature wall, it makes the perfect spot to relax after a long day.
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![Up on the second floor, the tile in a Jack and Jill bathroom combines the rustic feel of a wood-grain look with playful embossed coral red roses for a fun girls’ space between two of the bedrooms, which are appropriately decorated for daughters.]()
Up on the second floor, the tile in a Jack and Jill bathroom combines the rustic feel of a wood-grain look with playful embossed coral red roses for a fun girls’ space between two of the bedrooms, which are appropriately decorated for daughters.
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![The fourth bedroom on the second floor offers a more masculine feel, with an emphasis on black and white, contemporary furnishings and a Paris vibe. This room comes with its own ensuite and walk-in closet.]()
The fourth bedroom on the second floor offers a more masculine feel, with an emphasis on black and white, contemporary furnishings and a Paris vibe. This room comes with its own ensuite and walk-in closet.
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![With touches of glamour, like the mirrored night stands, and hits of green, including the pendant light above the bed (not shown), this bedroom is aimed at an older daughter.]()
With touches of glamour, like the mirrored night stands, and hits of green, including the pendant light above the bed (not shown), this bedroom is aimed at an older daughter.
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![The other girl’s room, aimed at a younger daughter, has echoes of big sister’s room, including chrome night stands and splashes of colour, this time fuchsia. Of note: Almost all of the rooms in the house have a hit of black and white to give them a pop of energy.]()
The other girl’s room, aimed at a younger daughter, has echoes of big sister’s room, including chrome night stands and splashes of colour, this time fuchsia. Of note: Almost all of the rooms in the house have a hit of black and white to give them a pop of energy.
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![The second relaxing area in the basement is aimed at the younger folks, offering them their own TV and place to hang out.]()
The second relaxing area in the basement is aimed at the younger folks, offering them their own TV and place to hang out.
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![In recognition of the whole reason for the Dream of a Lifetime lottery — raising funds to help CHEO — a dedicated art wall at the bottom of the basement stairs (right) uses rustic beam shelves to display artwork done by the hospital’s patients.]()
In recognition of the whole reason for the Dream of a Lifetime lottery — raising funds to help CHEO — a dedicated art wall at the bottom of the basement stairs (right) uses rustic beam shelves to display artwork done by the hospital’s patients.
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![Elevation D of Minto's Ironwood model is the one used for the 2014 CHEO dream home at Mahogany in Manotick. The four- or five-bedroom, two-storey home features a walkout basement and totals 5,181 square feet (including the basement).]()
Elevation D of Minto's Ironwood model is the one used for the 2014 CHEO dream home at Mahogany in Manotick. The four- or five-bedroom, two-storey home features a walkout basement and totals 5,181 square feet (including the basement).
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![The main floor is 1,806 square feet and features defined formal and informal spaces separated by a semi-circular staircase. There's also a flex space that could be either a bedroom with adjacent three-piece bath or an office.]()
The main floor is 1,806 square feet and features defined formal and informal spaces separated by a semi-circular staircase. There's also a flex space that could be either a bedroom with adjacent three-piece bath or an office.
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![The second floor offers 1,819 square feet and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and the laundry room.]()
The second floor offers 1,819 square feet and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and the laundry room.
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![The basement level floor plan is 1,556 square feet and includes a home theatre plus two other TV viewing areas — one for children; one for adults — a games area and an elaborate bar. The walkout to the backyard means the basement is loaded with windows and filled with natural light.]()
The basement level floor plan is 1,556 square feet and includes a home theatre plus two other TV viewing areas — one for children; one for adults — a games area and an elaborate bar. The walkout to the backyard means the basement is loaded with windows and filled with natural light.
Photos: 2014 CHEO dream home
A designer-decorated, fully furnished home at Mahogany in Manotick makes up the biggest piece of the grand prize in CHEO's Dream of a Lifetime lottery launched Monday.
Wilton spoke to the Citizen while en route to the new home with her husband, Jesse, an HVAC technician, and their two sons, ages 20 and 24. The home is located in Mahogany, Minto’s community in Manotick, and boasts 5,181 square feet of living space with an iron-and-wood staircase, dramatic two-storey family room, home theatre and outdoor living space with hot tub and fireplace.
Last year, Wilton lost her father to cancer just two months after his diagnosis. They suffered economic hardship with two broken-down vehicles, and the 13-year-old family dog died.
“We had bad luck after bad luck and on New Year’s Eve we were pretty happy to say good bye to 2014,” said Wilton. “So this is pretty incredible.”
The grand prize package includes $100,000 cash, a 2015 Cadillac ATS, housecleaning services and $5,000 worth of groceries.
Their small community a few kilometres north of Dunrobin will be abuzz in coming days, given that Woodlawn residents Carol and Charles Nagy won the second prize of cash, a car, a cruise and other items worth more than $166,000.
Ottawa resident Kosta Pezoulas was the winner of the 50/50 draw. The jackpot reached a total of $1,041,400, which means Mr. Pezoulas takes home $520,700.
“It’s a bit of a shock,” said Pezoulas, a teacher and coach who supports the lottery every year. “I’ve never won anything before except for a toaster (in the CHEO lottery) but it was years ago. And I was laughing with CHEO about that and they said, ‘Well you can buy a lot of bread now to toast.’ “
CHEO Foundation president Kevin Keohane announced the top three winners from the KPMG offices on Elgin Street.
He said while not everyone can win a prize, simply buying the ticket brings its own reward.
“If you bought a ticket, you are a winner (because) you helped us” said Keohane. “We are going to do incredible things and we couldn’t do it without your support.”
A list of all winning ticket numbers will be printed in the Citizen and Le Droit on Friday. Ticket holders can also check online at www.dreamofalifetime.ca as of 5 p.m. on Thursday. All winners will receive a confirmation letter from KPMG within two weeks outlining how to claim their prize.
The 2014 draw was a sellout, with more than 65,000 tickets sold. The lottery set another record for money raised with more than $3 million brought in for research, training and equipment.
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