Canada’s Polka King put on a $1-million show as he accepted his winnings from London's Dream Lottery on Friday.
Walter Ostanek, revered Grammy-winning polka artist and accordion player, received his cheque for $1-million from the Dream Lottery in a ceremony held at the Parkwood Institute of St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
The 81-year-old Order of Canada Member didn’t know how to react when learning that he was the Ultimate Grand Prize winner in Tuesday's draw, originally believing it was an elaborate joke created by his friend.
"I didn't believe it at first, because it was a friend of mine who told me, and he always jokes around with me,” says Ostanek. “'Walter, how does it feel to be a millionaire,' oh yeah sure, tell me another story."
When he eventually proved the win to be true, he contacted the Dream Lottery, and the ceremony date was set. Officials with the lottery, which benefits London hospitals, decided to forgo the traditional cheque presentation, instead asking Ostanek to perform for the veterans at Parkwood Institute, and he leapt at the opportunity.
Ostanek remembers having a passion for polka, and specifically the accordion, since a very young age.
"I wanted an accordion, and at the age of 9 my father got me one, and I got started on it,” says Ostanek.
He couldn’t quite put into words the feeling it gave him to perform in front of veterans, who relished in his music.
"What can I say? Do I have to say anything?” says Ostanek.
While Ostanek has been buying lottery tickets his whole life, he is glad to see the profits going to such a commendable cause as funding local hospitals. He believes that on top of the joy of winning the cash, he also feels a sense of satisfaction because “you're doing something good for the community too."
Ostanek currently lives in St. Catherines, and keeps his musical talents sharp with occasional appearances on TV and radio shows.
He intends to keep performing for the public.
**This story was written by Samuel Gallant. Samuel is a student in the Fanshawe College broadcast journalism program. He is performing a summer internship with Blackburn News.**
