Clay Hansen, the lucky winner of the $500,000 Eldred Legion Queen of Hearts prize.

ELDRED - It was Clay Hansen’s lucky night Tuesday at the Eldred American Legion when he pocketed the top prize of $500,000 at the Queen Of Hearts Drawing.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Article continues after sponsor message

Hansen was surrounded by well-wishers after he won the coveted prize and was extremely happy and probably a little bit stunned at what had just happened.

He didn’t have any immediate plans for the large prize, but “to pay off debt” and he did plan to return to his construction work on Wednesday morning.

The crowd was extensive for the event, more about the night itself in a related story.

Hansen said he had only purchased tickets for the Eldred Queen of Hearts drawing at the previous large event multiple years ago, but he was glad he returned this time around.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Illinois Lottery Player Has Magic Millionaire-Club Scratch-Off Moment
May 13, 2026
100 Years Ago: Women's Speech Contest Draws Crowd at Shurtleff College in Alton
Jun 7, 2026
Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair Draws Enormous Crowd Once Again
Jun 8, 2026
Lottery Jackpot Enables Granite City Couple’s First Honeymoon After 17 Years To Their Romantic Dream Place - France
May 15, 2026
Staunton Mom of Five is "Super Mom" Competition Quarterfinalist
Jun 1, 2026