Claudio’s host John Howard could possibly get father of the year award from his grateful clan — a ticket he recently bought for his daughter and two granddaughters turned out to be the $50,000 winner in Eastern Long Hospital’s annual Dream Green Extravaganza.
Howard, of Cutchogue, said he’s been buying a ticket — tickets cost $100 — every year for the past 15 years and giving them to his daughter Pamela and granddaughters, Erin and Mollie, who live in Marysville, Ohio.
“My family comes to visit the North Fork every summer. That’s when I buy the ticket,” Howard said. “What a surprise to see them take the top prize,” he added.
Howard said he has no clue how the hefty wad of green winnings will be spent. “Both of my granddaughters are in college now, one attends the University of Notre Dame on a scholarship and the other one attends Xavier University. I am sure the winnings will be put to good use,” he said.
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary hosts the Dream Green Extravaganza, which is now in its 22nd year, selling no more that 2900 tickets and awarding $147,500 in prize money to 65 winners. The winning tickets are drawn at the East End Seaport Maritime Festival in Greenport.
“Eastern Long Island Hospital is grateful to the entire community for the success of Dream Green,” ELIH CEO Paul J. Connor III said. “Special thanks go out to Helene Fall and Helen Latham, Dream Green Extravaganza co-chairs, and all the volunteers who help make Dream Green happen.”
Eastern Long Island Hospital wanted to thank businesses for selling Dream Green tickets, including Orlowski Hardware in Mattituck; Peconic Liquors in Cutchogue, Southold Pharmacy, Robert’s Jewelers and Showcase Wine and Liquor in Southold, Claudio’s Restaurant in Greenport and Shelter Island Heights Pharmacy.
Proceeds from Dream Green contest, directly benefit patient services, ELIH representatives said.
