Columbus Wisconsin couple wins Bessemer 50-50 raffle

BESSEMER — David and Denise Solie of Columbus Wisconsin, claimed the record high Bessemer 50-50 prize of $36,996 on Friday afternoon.

The duo has been supporting Bessemer Blast and buying tickets for years and say they “just got lucky,” according to a press release issued by raffle chairman Mark Malmberg.

“We love watching the parade and seeing Marty’s Goldenaires. We’re always impressed how such a small community can come together and organize such a great celebration,” Denise said.

The Solies enjoy the Gogebic Range area, especially Little Girls Point. Denise’s parents acquired a cottage in the 1970’s there and the couple spent a lot of time in the area over the years as their children were growing up going on skiing trips and fishing on Lake Superior.

The press release stated the couple plan to tithe to Immanuel Lutheran Church, “the little church by the big lake,” and to support local causes like the restoration of the Hiawatha statue amongst others.

“We love the area and want to help the local economy,” says Denise Solie.

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of Bessemer’s raffle which also coincided with the milestone of over one million tickets sold, Malmberg said, adding they all watched in awe as the raffle has grown.”

“Nobody would’ve bet a dollar in 1990 that this raffle would become what it is today,” he said.

For more information visit the Bessemer Fourth of July Facebook page or http://www.bessemer4th.com.

—Bryan Hellios