Preston Street BIA searching for contest winner

The winner of the Preston Street BIA’s “Catch Luigi” contest winner can’t be caught!

Local Ottawa woman Kirsty O’Donnell Hammel won the contest after her name was selected in a random draw. The BIA has been unable to contact her to award her with $5,000 worth of gift certificates to businesses in Little Italy. An alternative winner will be selected on Oct. 19 if she does not claim her prize.

“It’s such a great prize, it would be a shame if Ms. O’Donnell Hammel was unable to claim it,” said BIA executive director Lori Mellor in a press release. “We only have her e-mail address, and we’re worried she isn’t checking the account.”

O’Donnell Hammel entered the contest by submitting a photo of herself standing next to the life-size cardboard cut-out of Luigi the chef, Preston Street’s resident mascot. The Luigi contest was part of an initiative to generate public awareness about the $30 million Preston Street Revitalization Project.

The Preston Street BIA is conducting a local awareness campaign to find the lucky winner. Anyone who knows how best to reach O’Donnell Hammel is encouraged to contact the BIA.