By Alison Shea
Once again, there’s proof that it pays to shop on Del Prado.
The Shop Del Prado shop local Lantern District incentive program, created by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the city of Dana Point, presented another couple with their winnings June 16 in front of Jack’s Restaurant & Bar on Del Prado Avenue.
For every $10 spent at a Del Prado Avenue business, customers who turn in their receipts at the chamber office are given one chance at winning the annual drawing.
Kenneth and Irene Braun of Dana Point are the June winners, thanks to a receipt they turned in from Jack’s, one of their favorite eateries.
The Brauns’ winnings include an over-night stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, dinner for two at Jack’s and a prize package from The District Salon.
“It feels great, we are very glad that we had the opportunity to win. We are happy to be here,” Kenneth Braun said at the award presentation, adding that when it comes to supporting local businesses, he and his wife are, “very, very, very happy to support them all, let alone those on Del Prado.”
Longtime Jack’s regulars, the couple estimates they spend $400 to $500 per week at the restaurant and love living, shopping and dining in Dana Point, the city they consider “one of the best kept secrets on the California coast.”
Jack Loconsolo, the restaurant owner, was especially pleased the Brauns won the raffle.
“I’m really glad it was Irene and Ken because they are very big supporters of Jack’s Restaurant,” Loconsolo said. “If anyone had customers like these two, they would be very fortunate.”
Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, was also there to celebrate the big win and to congratulate the winners.
The chamber collected just under $6,000 in receipts this month, she said, and Johnston shared that she and her staff were extra excited when Mayor Carlos Olvera pulled the Brauns’ ticket because the two have been entering the contest every week, for months.
In response to the program’s success so far, Johnston acknowledged its success in helping businesses to survive during ongoing construction in the area.
“Loyal customers, as well as people who are brand new to these businesses are all contributing,” Johnston said. “Our businesses have been really good about pushing it out in social media and we’ve got some really good prizes that people who live and shop in Dana Point don’t usually spend their money on, such as spending a night at the St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton or Blue Lantern Inn. This is a chance for them to win something great.”
Part of the program’s success, Johnston said, is due to the willingness of businesses, not just on Del Prado but citywide, to donate prizes.
“They’re supporting each other,” she said. “So that’s a big deal for us.”
Receipts should be taken to the Chamber of Commerce office at 34163 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 100 (Note: This is a new location.), or sent via email to shopdelprado@gmail.com. Emailed entries must include a copy or photo of the receipt along with the shopper’s name, phone number, email address and home zip code. The contest is set to run through October.
For more information, visit www.dplanterndistrict.com.
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