Chase the Ace Game Raises $125K for South Dakota Youth Softball

Nonprofit softball organization benefits from popular weekly raffle at Gibs Sports Bar.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A 'chase the ace' game at Gibs Sports Bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has raised $125,016.50 for the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves youth softball nonprofit. The game, which ran for over a year, involved weekly raffles where the winner got a chance to draw the ace of diamonds from a deck of cards, with the jackpot growing each week it went unclaimed. On the final night, local businessman Keith Bergh drew the elusive ace, winning $155,022.50 while the softball nonprofit received the majority of the funds raised.

Why it matters

The funds raised will help cover the significant costs associated with youth softball, including tournament entry fees, uniforms, and equipment, making the sport more accessible for the 148 girls who play on the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves teams from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.

The details

The 'chase the ace' game started in March 2025, with raffle tickets sold on Monday nights at Gibs Sports Bar. Each week, a winner would receive 10% of the night's total, and also get a chance to draw the ace of diamonds from a standard 52-card deck, which would have awarded them half the growing jackpot. As the weeks went by with no one drawing the ace, the pot continued to grow until the final night when local businessman Keith Bergh had his number called and pulled the winning card.

  • The 'chase the ace' game started in March 2025.
  • The final drawing took place on Monday night.

The players

South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves

A nonprofit youth softball organization with 13 teams and 148 players from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.

Keith Bergh

A local businessman who won the $155,022.50 jackpot after drawing the ace of diamonds on the final night of the 'chase the ace' game.

Gibs Sports Bar

The east Sioux Falls bar that hosted the weekly 'chase the ace' game, which drew large crowds and helped raise funds for the youth softball nonprofit.

Chris Bruns

A volunteer coach for the South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves, who noted the high costs associated with youth softball participation.

Dan Larson

The manager of Gibs Sports Bar, who said the 'chase the ace' game was a good way for the bar to give back to the community.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Chris Bruns, Volunteer Coach (keloland.com)

“People come see us, help us, and it's a good way for us to give back to help them and have a space for them.”

— Dan Larson, Gibs Sports Bar Manager (keloland.com)

“I truly believe he's going to give a ton back. A lot of that's going to go straight into the community, helping other people.”

— Dan Larson, Gibs Sports Bar Manager (keloland.com)

“When it comes down to these kids, it's all for them.”

— Chris Bruns, Volunteer Coach (keloland.com)

What’s next

The South Dakota Players and South Dakota Braves nonprofit plans to use the $125,016.50 raised to cover the costs of youth softball participation, including tournament fees, uniforms, and equipment, making the sport more accessible for the 148 girls on their teams.

The takeaway

This 'chase the ace' fundraiser demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to support youth sports programs and provide opportunities for young athletes, even in the face of the significant financial barriers that can often limit participation.