McIvers Chase the Ace delivers ultimate jackpot to Corner Brook woman: a baby girl

The ever-growing jackpot at the McIvers Chase the Ace fundraiser went unclaimed Sunday evening, but one Corner Brook woman who showed up to play ended up taking home a gift no amount of cash can compete with: a baby girl.

"It would be really nice to have won some money,but you knowwhatwe took home a way better prize," laughed Danielle Vatersfrom her hospital bed.

• The ace chase continues: McIvers grand prize unclaimed for 49th week

Vaterswas days away from her Thursday due date when sheheaded out with a friend to try herluck at the lottery, leaving her husband in charge of their two kids so she could grab some adult alonetime.

"As a mother, it's the only thing Iget to do by myself here lately. Especially being pregnant, there's not a whole lot of outings. So it'sbeen nice to have something to do on Sundays," she said, adding her husband wasn't exactly on the same page.

"Hedidn'twant me to go to ChaseThe Ace,he was hesitant on it. Everyone was hesitant on it except for me, because Ithought for sure shewouldn'tcome. But Iknew for sure that if Istayed home, she definitelywouldn'tcome," she said.

It seems the baby felt the same way.

Contraction confusion

On the 40 minute drive from Corner Brook to McIvers, Vatersfelt some slight pains, but after weeks of false Braxton-Hicks contractionsshe decided to just continue on.

It was only when she wasin the midst of the 4,400-odd other people lining up in McIvers to try their luck that reality hit.

"Iwas like, 'Idon't know, Idon't know if it's really happening.'And then it was. It didn't stop and it just got more painful, the contractions," she recalled.

Vaters kept quiet but said the crowd noticed something was up.

"Everyone was looking at me pretty funny."

As the pains increased, Vaters' commitment to Chase the Ace wavered and she and her friend decided it was time to hit the road to the hospital in Corner Brook. As she was leaving she texted her husband,"put the kids to bed, grab the diaper bag, let's go."

'She's perfect'

Vatersdrove herself up to the doors of Western Memorial Regional Hospital, with hercontractions in full swing, far too lateto have any relieffrom an epidural.

"Ifelt absolutely every single pain, which was terrible and amazing, now that Ithink about it, at the same time."

Brooke Melanie Vaters came into the world a short time later taking her middle name from the friend who accompanied Danielle on herself-described "crazy"Chase The Ace mission.

"She's quiet and she's sweet and she sleeps and she's perfect," said Vaters.

Vaters' chance to win big in McIvers may not be behind her either. With the fundraiser continuing this coming Sunday and just three cards left in the deck, Vatershopes she'll be back to try her luck, this time, with Brooke in tow.