Ed Angel leaves with a car
in Automobile Give-Away '09

SANFORD — Ed Angel was the first to arrive last night for Automobile Give-Away '09, a promotion to benefit the United Way of Lee County, saying he'd rather be an hour early for any commitment than a minute late.

And, as luck would have it, he also was the last to leave — as owner of a brand new car.

The Coty employee and longtime United Way donor survived an hour-long drawing, in which 71 other semifinalists were eliminated, one by one, and won his choice of a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt or Pontiac Vibe.

Proceeds from the second-annual event will help more than two dozen member agencies throughout Lee County care for neighbors in need and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone.

Angel was remarkably calm as special guest David Browning, portraying The Mayberry Deputy, thanked all of the contributors and congratulated the two remaining finalists.

Then the Barney Fife impersonator, who opened the local United Way campaign in August, reached his hand into a wicker basket and ended it, too, by pulling out one slip and announcing the name of this year's runner-up.

Angel stood alone as the winner. Camera flashes filled the room. Media interviews followed.

He began contributing to the United Way in 1991, Angel explained, to help people who are less fortunate and need a little assistance. Even in a tough economy, he still encourages people to make their own contribution.

"Go by your heart and realize what God gave us," he said later, in a quiet moment after all the interviews ended. "I'll contribute as long as I live."

United Way executive director Jan Hayes said she couldn't have been happier with the event. "Ed has been a contributor to the United Way for almost two decades, " she said. "That shows a real commitment to make his community better.

"And we appreciate everything David Browning did this year to entertain our guests and make the evening run so smoothly. It simply was an enjoyable evening for everyone."

Automobile Give-Away '09 was not only an occasion to draw the winning ticket, but served as a showcase for the entire community. Hayes said it demonstrated how generous people and businesses are in Lee County, with individuals making contributions, companies donating prizes and Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC of Sanford helping make it all happen.

"Most importantly," she said, "the money everyone worked so hard to raise will change people's lives and make our entire community stronger."

For the chance to win a new Pontiac Vibe or Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, semifinalists 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 by businesses throughout the area.

Automobile Give-Away '09 was offered in partnership with Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC of Sanford, which hosted the final drawing in its showroom at 1301 Douglas Drive in Sanford.

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 member 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 '09 Semifinalists
Kelli Alford, Ed Angel, Margaret "Maggie" Baldwin, Eric Banks, Nancy Bloom, Rodney Blow, Wayne Boston, Karen Bridwell, Annie Bryant, Susie Mason Buchanan, Glenda Bunnell, Van Cameron, Yolanda Chance, Kimberly Creador, Howard Davidson, Nickie Davis, Beatrice Edwards, Jerry Elliott, Estela Estrada, Glenda Fallin, Lisa Faulkner, Deloris Fox, Emily Gilchrist, Cora Glover, James Graham, Marion Graylion, James Green, Evilee "Dianne" Holman, Paula Holt, Emily Howard, Robert Alan Hoyer, Jermaine Jackson, Cheryl Jones, Deidre Kelly, Rich Kirik, Nikola Martin, Zelda Matthews, Alvis McCormick, Jerry McDougald, Sheila McDougald, Elizabeth Ann McNeill, Brian McRae, Alfredo Mendoza, Aurelia Miranda, Debbie Moore, Janice Moore-Thomas, Kimetha Moye, Vanessa Murchison, Tai Nguyen, Lewis Nordon, Jovany Nunez, Greg Ohmstede, Ronna Olivarez, Ray Oliver, Tammy Suzanne Orr, Patricia Parson, John Payne, Ron Pendleton Jr., Patricia Rosser, Margaret Sandrock, Connie Sharpe, Suzanne Shue, Lois Smith, Betty Spinks, Tamela Stepney, Patricia Stone, Phil Thorne, Carl Van Buskirk, Betty Vermillion, Betsy Wells, Sue Whitman and Tom Wilder.

Automobile Give-Away '09 Prize Sponsors
Applebee's (gift card), Café 121 (gift certificates), Coty (fragrances and gift sets), DK Clay Pottery (pottery), Floral Designs by Eddie (blown glass water bulb), JCPenney (luggage set), Kelly's Diamonds (necklace), Lee Builder Mart (flashlight set), Lowes Foods (gift card), MacDuff's Dry Cleaners (gift certificates), Moen (kitchen faucets and shower heads), Parkdale (lunch bag and cap), PSNC (shifts and umbrellas), Ruby Tuesday (gift card), Temple Theatre (tickets), Walmart (grill), Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC (oil change coupons) and Wyeth (goody bags).