ROCHELLE — At the March 27 meeting of the Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Club, Rochelle VFW Post 3878 Commander Dennis Orlikowski presented the organization with a $4,250 donation from proceeds from the VFW’s recently-completed record Queen of Hearts game. The donation was accepted by Chet Olson of Kiwanis Golden K. 

The VFW’s Queen of Hearts game concluded in late February with a record $705,330 total jackpot after running 49 weeks. The game’s winner was Lauri Hays, who received $458,464.50. When the Queen of Hearts is drawn, the winner receives 65 percent of the pot. The VFW’s portion (remaining 35 percent) was $246,865.50, which will be split evenly between the post and donations to nonprofit organizations. The VFW plans to use its $123,432.75 portion for improvements and operational costs. The donations to area nonprofits and veterans organizations will be made in the coming weeks. 

“I was told by older members that the Kiwanis Club has helped the VFW out in the past when it was in need of some help,” Orlikowski said. “And now we're at a point where we can help other people. I don't know why this hasn't come up before, because we've made donations from proceeds of a few other Queen of Hearts games. But believe me, if I'm still commander, the money is going to stay in this area as much as possible in the future.”

The Queen of Hearts drawing involves 54 cards hidden under a covering to be revealed one card per week until the Queen of Hearts is drawn. There are 52 playing deck cards with the two jokers hidden. Players at the local post can purchase tickets in increments of six for $5 and write a number corresponding to a hidden card on the board and their information on them before placing them in a tumbling drum. One ticket is drawn each Tuesday night and the card with the number on the ticket is revealed. 

Along with raising funds for community donations and improvements to the post, the Queen of Hearts contest also drew patrons to the Rochelle VFW that spent time there purchasing food and drinks while buying tickets. The VFW is open to the public. 

The VFW got a helping hand from members and volunteers when selling tickets became too much for bartenders to handle due to the game’s popularity. The VFW is always seeking new veteran members. 

The start of the next Queen of Hearts game will not begin until April 22 due to the upcoming completion of the post’s flooring project. The jackpot will start at $94,620. Updates on the game will be provided on the VFW’s Facebook page. 

Olson thanked Orlikowski and the VFW for the donation and support on March 27. 

“Thank you very much,” Olson said. “The VFW is a great organization and they donate back to the community in many, many ways. Thank you for coming.”