Pam Riddle wins new car in
annual United Way drawing

SANFORD — When Pam Riddle was selected last fall as a finalist for Automobile Give-Away '10, she didn't think too much about it. She entered the third annual drawing after making a qualifying pledge to the United Way, but brushed off any chance of winning.

It was only over Christmas, when someone pointed out that there weren't all that many people in the running, that the Sanford resident started to get excited.

She's really excited now.

Riddle outlasted nearly 70 other finalists Monday night to win a new Chevrolet Cobalt — a car she plans to drive for a few years before turning it over to her daughter, who turns 15 in a couple of weeks.

"I'm just in shock," said Riddle, who teaches at the Central Carolina Community College campus in Harnett County. "I might have to give my students a day off or something."

Automobile Give-Away '10 is offered in partnership with Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC of Sanford, which hosted the final drawing.

For the chance to win a new Chevrolet Cobalt compact or Colorado pickup truck, entrants made a qualifying pledge to last fall's United Way annual campaign — contributing either the equivalent of one hour of pay per month for the year or making an annual donation of $500 or more.

From those qualifying, finalists were selected in a series of preliminary drawings held over the last few weeks and were present last night for the big event. All received a prize, thanks to donations from businesses throughout the area.

Proceeds from the United Way campaign help more than two dozen partner agencies throughout Lee County care for neighbors in need and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone.

Riddle said she contributes regularly to the United Way, often designating her contribution for the Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County. "I feel the United Way supports a lot of agencies that help a lot of people," she explained.

United Way executive director Jan Hayes said the enthusiasm and community support for Automobile Give-Away '10 is a credit to all of Lee County.

She pointed to a number of people who helped with the event — including Peggy Taphorn, producing artistic director of the Temple Theatre, and Wayne Staton, cohost of the "Live At Nine" show on WBFT TV 46, who conducted the drawing.

Also, Chef Gregg Hamm of Café 121, who contributed refreshments, and Steve Koranda from WLHC-FM Life 103.1, who served as emcee for the gathering.

"Obviously, the focal point of the evening is drawing a winner for the car, but we want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helps the United Way throughout the year," said Hayes. "And, most of all, that means our contributors.

"I've always said how generous people and businesses are in Lee County, and this proves the point. Everyone is working together to raise money that will change people's lives and make our community even stronger, and that's good for all of us."

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen partner agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen partner agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.

Press Contact
Jan Hayes, Executive Director
919.776.5823
janhayes@leecountyunitedway.org

Automobile Give-Away '10 Prize Sponsors
Applebee's (gift cards), BB&T (savings bond), Capital Bank (savings bond and lunch box), Carolina Hurricanes (hockey tickets), Coty (cologne gift sets), DK Clay (pottery), First Bank (savings bond), First Citizens Bank (savings bond), JCPenney (luggage set), Moen (shower heads), Pfizer (gift bags), PSNC Energy (clothing, umbrella and chair), Temple Theatre (theater tickets), The Pantry (gasoline cards), Walmart (grill) and Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC of Sanford (oil changes and Carolina Hurricanes hockey tickets).