Solace Hospice held a raffle for tickets to a Saints game as part of a fundraiser for its nonprofit organization, Solace Foundation. The winner was Susan Bullington, who says she will be giving the premium tickets to her sister, Peggy Toner.

Bullington said her sister used to be a Saints season ticket holder and went to practically every game in her youth. After having a family, her trips to the Superdome went to the wayside, Bullington said. Although she wanted to start going to games again later on, Toner was diagnosed with breast cancer, which put those plans on hold again. While she survived her own illness, Toner lost her husband to cancer soon after, Bullington said.

“Everything got busy in life, but she still remembers the old days – cutting up with her friends,” Bullington said.

Knowing how much her sister loved going to Saints games, when Bullington saw an article in the Item that Solace was holding the raffle for two tickets, she mailed in her entry. After discovering she had won, she immediately called her sister to tell her the good news.

“She couldn’t believe it. She believes in miracles,” Bullington said.

Toner’s son has never been to a Saint’s game, so Bullington said Toner is very excited to be able to take him and enjoy the afternoon together.

Bullington said her sister lives in Ponchatoula, La., is very active in her community and does everything she can to help others. She said she regularly volunteers with her local hospice, works with disabled individuals and works as a greeter at a local funeral home.

“People do for her and she does for everybody. I’m just so excited to be able to do this for her,” Bullington said.

Since parking at the Superdome can be expensive, Bullington said she is planning on throwing in a little extra money for her sister to make sure she doesn’t have to worry about anything.

“I can’t wait to go. I told my friends, ‘maybe I’ll come visit you in the peasant section,’” Toner said, jokingly.

Solace Hospice Owner Carley Davis said they raised about $500 from the raffle. He said the money will go towards purchasing new telescoping wheelchair ramps, among other things. These ramps will help patients who have mobility problems but are unable to afford a ramp for their home.

Davis said so many people are blessed in some way or another – some with time, some with money, etc. Because of this, he said he believes people with those blessings should use them to give back and help others.

Davis said they are currently seeking volunteers to help with the nonprofit. Volunteering may include spending time with hospice patients, reading to them, or anything else that may boost their quality of life.

If anyone would like to volunteer, Solace Hospice can be reached at 601-403-9822.