‘Chase the Ace’ Fundraiser Aces $125K for Sioux Falls Youth Softball
A year-long ‘chase the ace’ fundraising campaign culminated in a dramatic ace-of-diamonds draw, delivering $125,016.50 to the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves youth softball organization. The game, hosted at Gibs Sports Bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has eased financial burdens for 148 young athletes and sparked interest in similar community fundraising efforts.
How the Game Worked
The ‘chase the ace’ game began in March 2025, with weekly raffle tickets sold on Monday nights at Gibs Sports Bar. Each week, a winner received 10% of the night’s proceeds and a chance to draw the ace of diamonds from a standard 52-card deck. Drawing the ace awarded half of the growing jackpot. As weeks passed without a winner, the pot grew, incentivizing continued participation.
The Winning Draw
On Monday night, local businessman Keith Bergh drew the elusive ace of diamonds, winning a $155,022.50 jackpot. The majority of the funds raised, $125,016.50, went to the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves.
Impact on Youth Softball
The funds will help cover the rising costs of youth softball, including tournament entry fees, uniforms, and equipment, according to Chris Bruns, a volunteer coach for the organization. KELO reported Bruns stating, “Especially when you’re looking at the entry fees for some of these tournaments and all the things with different uniforms and other equipment the girls need.”
Community Support
Dan Larson, manager of Gibs Sports Bar, emphasized the bar’s role in supporting the community. Memesita quoted Larson as saying, “People come see us, help us, and it’s a good way for us to give back to help them and have a space for them.” Larson also expressed confidence that Bergh would continue to support the community.
Looking Ahead
The South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves, serving 13 teams and 148 players from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities, will use the funds to build youth softball more accessible. The success of this fundraiser may inspire similar community-driven initiatives in the region.