A year-long ‘chase the ace’ game hosted at Gibs Sports Bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, culminated on Monday night with a $125,016.50 donation to the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves youth softball nonprofit. Local businessman Keith Bergh drew the ace of diamonds, winning a $155,022.50 jackpot.
Community Effort Supports Youth Softball
The funds raised will directly address the financial challenges faced by young athletes and their families, covering costs associated with tournament entry fees, uniforms, and essential equipment. This support will benefit the 148 girls who participate on the 13 teams within the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves organization, serving Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.
How the Game Worked
The ‘chase the ace’ game began in March 2025, with weekly raffles held on Monday nights at Gibs Sports Bar. Each week, a winner received 10% of the night’s total and a chance to draw the ace of diamonds from a standard deck of cards. Successfully drawing the ace would award half of the accumulated jackpot. As weeks passed without a winner, the pot grew until Keith Bergh’s winning draw on Monday night.
Gibs Sports Bar, located in east Sioux Falls, served as the central location for the weekly event, drawing significant crowds and fostering a sense of community.
Voices from the Community
Chris Bruns, a volunteer coach, highlighted the financial strain on families involved in youth softball, 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.”
Dan Larson, manager of Gibs Sports Bar, emphasized the bar’s commitment to giving back, saying, “People come see us, support us, and it’s a good way for us to give back to help them and have a space for them.” Larson likewise expressed confidence that Bergh would continue to support the community, stating, “I truly believe he’s going to give a ton back.”
Looking Ahead
The South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves plan to utilize the $125,016.50 to alleviate the financial burden of participation for its athletes, covering expenses such as tournament fees, uniforms, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the ‘chase the ace’ game begin?
The ‘chase the ace’ game started in March 2025.
Where was the ‘chase the ace’ game held?
The ‘chase the ace’ game was held at Gibs Sports Bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
How many players will benefit from the funds raised?
The funds raised will benefit 148 girls who play on the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves teams.
How might similar community-based fundraising initiatives impact youth sports accessibility in other areas?
