Fresno’s Lionel Hawkins, owner of air conditioning and heating company Hawk Air, won $1 million during the grand finale for Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino's Millionaire Cash Vault Giveaway on Sept. 2. Photo by MJD

A local business owner won a big prize at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino this week.

Fresno’s Lionel Hawkins, owner of air conditioning and heating company Hawk Air, won $1 million during the grand finale for the casino’s Millionaire Cash Vault Giveaway on Sept. 2.

Along with the grand prize drawing, nine other Rewards Club Members shared $50,000 in cash prizes.

Hawkins said he plans to take care of debt.

“We have an air conditioning and heating company called Hawk Air, and it’s been a tough year for us,” he said in a news release. “I told my wife, ‘if we win this money, we’ll pay off our debt, go get the house we want and donate some to our church.’ Go Clovis Hills! I love it here at Chukchansi — that’s why we come here.”

Dean Kamalani, marketing director for Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, said the team is always happy to be part of moment that changes people’s life.

“Congratulations to Lionel on this incredible win. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do, and we’re honored to share in such a meaningful experience,” Kamalani.

Chukchansi’s game room covers 73,000 square feet with 2,000 slot machines and 40 table games—including progressive table games.