Final Draw Prize Winners’ Stories – 2017
Final Draw Winners Share Joy and Gratitude
Grand Prize #1 Winner – Cilia Mayo
Cilia broke into tears of joy when she learned she was this year’s Grand Prize winner of the A.F. Sterling Home or $600,00 cash option. She’s been entering the TMC Mega Raffle for the past three years but this year she debated entering again because she and her husband of two-years were hit with financial hardships. Her husband had two back surgeries at TMC in the past year and he has been unable to work for the last seven months, while recovering. Cilia decided to go ahead and enter, purchasing a 3-pack and praying they would win something. Her prayers were answered and then some! At the same time her husband was on the phone with his office preparing to go back to work, Cilia got the call that she’d won the Grand Prize. The young couple are now very excited to plan for their future.
Grand Prize #2 Winner – Debi Dohn
Debi and her husband Richard had heard about the TMC Mega Raffle and talked about purchasing tickets the last few years but this was the first time they actually entered, and they are very glad they finally did. Debi thought, “Whether we win or not, it is for the good cause.” The couple, who moved to Tucson in 2008 to leave the cold weather behind, are this year’s Grand Prize #2 winners of a Lincoln Continental or $150,000 cash option. They are so grateful that they live in such a wonderful place and believe in giving back to their community. “We knew that the Mega Raffle benefited TMC and it was something that helps our community as a whole.” While the news is still sinking in, Debi is now hoping that her husband can retire a bit sooner and that they can spend more time visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Illinois.
50/50 Add-on Jackpot Winner – Steven Heathman
This year’s 50/50 jackpot winner and his wife, Linda are retired teachers that grew up in Tucson and dated in High School. They reconnected again later in life and married a year ago. “My wife suggested we enter saying it’s a good cause with good chances, and I’ve learned it is good to listen to your wife.” Steven was stunned and thrilled when he got the call from Kathy Rice and learned they would be splitting the $685,385 pot with TMC. Steven immediately called Linda who was out to lunch with her friends to share the news. He told her to pick up the bill. The newlyweds said they can now consider buying their dream home as they build their next stage of life together. “This is really life changing for us!”
2017 Jaguar F-PACE + $15,500 Cash Winner – Barbara Hooper
2017 Buick Cascada Covertible + $12,500 Cash Winner – Colleen Peachey
2017 Chevy Colorado Truck + $13,000 Cash Winner – Henry Fisher
Green Valley resident, Henry said he entered the TMC Mega Raffle because it is a good cause. Last year he won a rechargeable iceless cooler that he gave to his grandson to use at work. This year he was shocked when he learned he won the 2017 Chevy Colorado Truck, plus $13,000. “I’ve never won anything like this. I broke into goosebumps when I heard!”
2017 GMC Acadia + $11,000 Cash Winner – Larue Birger
A Tucson resident for more than 20 years, Larue said he has entered the TMC Mega Raffle every year. He is very familiar with TMC and loves entering raffles and lotteries. When he heard he’d won the 2017 GMC Acadia and $11,000 cash, he was very surprised. “I was at work when I got the call, now everyone I work with wishes they entered. I told them you need to be in it to win it.”