Marilyn Bellamy Wins New Chevy
in Automobile Give-Away '08

SANFORD — Marilyn Bellamy, a longtime employee of Moen in Sanford, won a new Chevrolet HHR last night as the grand prize winner in Automobile Give-Away '08, a promotion to benefit the United Way of Lee County.

Proceeds will help more than two dozen member agencies throughout Lee County to care for neighbors in need and enhance local life.

Bellamy stood close to runner-up Linda Buchanan just before the final name was drawn. Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Miss America 1996, reached into a large plastic bin and pulled out the second place finisher.

When Wuerch announced the runner-up, Bellamy looked stunned and then erupted into celebration with almost 70 other semifinalists and guests.

"There's no doubt it was a celebration for Marilyn; who wouldn't celebrate after winning a new car!" said United Way executive director Jan Hayes, who conducted the drawing with the former Miss America. "But I'd like to think it was a celebration for everyone, especially for the community as a whole.

"Thanks to the car drawing, we were able to raise money that will help us all."

For the chance to win a new Pontiac G6 or Chevrolet HHR, 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, 70 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 generous donations by businesses throughout the area.

While Bellamy was thrilled to leave with a new car, that's not why she made her contribution. In fact, she's given her "fair share" gift — one hour of pay per month — annually for the last three decades she's worked at Moen.

She just wants to help out the community, Bellamy said.

Automobile Give-Away '08 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.