Concord Resident Ann O’Leary Wins United Way of Lake County’s Campaign Contest at Classic Toyota to Take Home $5,000
Mentor, OH (February 2, 2018) – The winner of United Way of Lake County’s (UWLC) five month 2017 giving campaign contest was announced today at Classic Toyota in Mentor. Grand finale winner Ann O’Leary of Concord won her choice of a two-year lease on a 2018 Toyota Corolla LE with all taxes and fees paid or five-thousand dollars cash.
O’Leary said the car was beautiful and very tempting but quickly decided upon the cash. “My daughter is getting married and the five-thousand dollars will come in handy right now,” said O’Leary.
O’Leary is employed at Concord Biosciences and donated to United Way of Lake County through her organization’s workplace campaign, which qualified her to receive an entry into the contest.
Click here to watch video of contest ceremony!
Ten semi-finalists were randomly selected on Friday, January 26, 2018 out of a total of 2,283 contest entries. UWLC 2017 Campaign Chair Mark Sutherland, president of The Lubrizol Foundation and corporate vice president of global communications and public affairs for The Lubrizol Corporation chose the raffle tickets live on Facebook.
The semi-finalists were all present at the ceremony and included: Mike Anderson of Richmond Heights, from Eye Lighting International; Lillian Blevins of Perry, from Eye Lighting International; Laurene Bucci of Mentor; Christine Dorazio, of Eastlake, from The Lubrizol Corporation; Michael Goodell from Avery Dennison; Diana Hausrath of Willoughby Hills, from Zito Insurance Agency; Ann O’Leary of Concord, from Concord Biosciences; Frank McKeon of Painesville, from the City of Painesville; Lindsay Pschirer of Lynhurst, from Lake Metroparks; and Yvonne Delgado Thomas of Chardon, from the Fine Arts Association.
The contest began at the kickoff of United Way’s 2017 Giving Campaign on September 7, 2017 and ran through January 25, 2018. “To qualify for the raffle, United Way of Lake County contributors needed to make a new or increased gift of at least $52, which is just $1 per week,” said Jean Sency, Vice President of Resource Development.
At the ceremony, Sutherland announced that the contest raised more than $118,000 in additional support for our community.
Sutherland also reminded everyone of the real meaning behind the contest. “While I’m thrilled to be here during this joyful occasion, I’m reminded of the true reason we are here today, which is to help people.”
Sutherland went on to say, “The funds raised from this contest will make a remarkable impact on the lives of so many of Lake County’s most vulnerable residents. United Way works hard to provide food for our hungry; shelter and clothes for our homeless; medical care and warm meals for our seniors; a safe haven and care for victims of domestic abuse; help for those suffering from the dark tunnel of addiction; medical and mental health care for the uninsured; care and support for families struggling to get back on their feet; mentorship, counseling and learning programs to keep our children engaged and off the streets; and so much more.”
Contestants were lined up side-by-side in the order their names were initially drawn with friends, neighbors, and co-workers looking on in anticipation. In this same order, finalists were then asked to select one of ten keys presented to them by Sutherland. Each contestant was then invited to take the driver’s seat of the 2018 Toyota Corolla LE to see if the key they selected started the car’s ignition. Winner Ann O’Leary was the sixth semi-finalist to take the seat, visibly shaken with excitement when her key started the car’s ignition.
“This is such an exciting time for us and I’m thrilled for Ann said President and CEO of United Way of Lake County, Jennifer McCarty. “I’m also very thankful to Classic Auto Group owner Jim Brown Jr. and his team at Classic Toyota for welcoming us here today and working so generously with us in the rollout of the 2018 Toyota Corolla as one of our two featured grand prize options.”
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