A long-time Prince George resident and business owner wasn't thinking about winning a new home Monday afternoon.
Henry Duchscherer was the winner of the Prince George Hospice Society's Dream Home Lottery grand prize, but was en route to Arizona when his number was drawn.
"He was shocked and surprised," said Dori Pears, Duchscherer's daughter who accepted the keys on his behalf. "He was wondering if he needed to come home, because he had only been gone for 24 hours."
Duchscherer established the local KFC franchises in the mid-1960s after a handshake with Col. Sanders himself. The 76 year old operated the businesses until five years ago.
Pears said her father routinely buys tickets for local lotteries.
"He's big on supporting anything in town," she said.
Duchscherer will likely come to check out his new digs during the Christmas holidays.
The Creekside home was the ultimate prize for the Hospice Society's second lottery.
"Although we didn't have a complete sell out on the tickets, we came very close to selling all 8,500 tickets," said Dianne Sears, society fund development and marketing officer.
Built by Rise Construction, the 2,490 square foot home comes with six appliances and a moving package from Moving Sucks.
Proceeds from the lottery go to support three of the 10 beds at Rotary Hospice House.
"It's a great charity to support, as are all the charities in town," Pears said. "We just want to encourage everyone to keep supporting them."
