Final Draw Prize Winners’ Stories – 2018

Final Draw Winners Share Joy and Gratitude

Grand Prize #1 Winner – Frank Martinez

Frank and his wife, Sherrie, are Tucson natives that have entered the TMC Mega Raffle the last couple of years. This year they purchased one ticket and entered the 50/50 jackpot. “TMC is a big part of our family and we love this cause.” Their children were born at TMC and their daughter has received treatment for her Asthma. Sherrie also worked at TMC as a clerk in the emergency room when she was attending school at the University of Arizona. When Frank learned that he was this year’s Grand Prize winner of the A.F. Sterling Home or $600,00 cash, he could not believe it. Frank and his wife both work for local school districts and their winnings will allow them to help their children with their college education. “This is life changing for us. We are so grateful to TMC.”

Grand Prize #2 Winner – Beverly Kudla

Beverly planned to enter the TMC Mega Raffle the last few years, but said she always missed the deadline. This year she was determined to enter and she’s glad she did, as this year’s Grand Prize #2 winner of the 2018 Lexus LC or $150,000 cash option. Beverly’s late husband received care at TMC before he passed away last May. After hearing the news, she shared that the day after the final drawing would have been her husband’s 88th birthday. “This is really a gift. I always wanted to enter – win or lose – because TMC has been good to us.” With her winnings she hopes to plan an exotic vacation to celebrate her 84^th birthday.

50/50 Add-on Jackpot Winner – Barbara Gomez

Barbara of Mesa, Arizona, is a retired engineer that worked for the state of Arizona for 32 years and has been entering the TMC Mega Raffle since it began. Two years ago, she won Omaha Steaks and was thrilled. This year, she was shocked when she learned she is the 50/50 jackpot winner and will be splitting $693,600 with TMC! Barbara is a cancer survivor that received care at TMC almost 40 years ago. She said, “I’ve had a blessed life and need to give back. I had health issues and members of my family have, too, so anything I can do to support this cause, I want to do.” Barbara said that with her winnings she’d like to do some things for her grandchildren and give to her church. “This is amazing, but even if I never won anything, I would keep entering.”

2018 Honda Civic Hatchback Touring + $9,500 Cash Winner – Andrew Kent

Andrew enters the TMC Mega Raffle every year and never won anything until now. “My family has a strong connection with TMC,” he explained. Growing up, his father was an Anesthesiologist at TMC and his mother was involved in the auxiliary. His four daughters and two of his grandchildren were born at TMC and he worked at the hospital in transportation to help earn money while he attended college and graduate school. A retired school administrator that now works as a Dean of Students, Andrew was excited and shocked to learn he’d won a 2018 Honda Civic and $9,500.

2018 Toyota C-HR XLE + $8,500 Cash Winner – Melinda Diaz

Melinda is 26 and works as a server at a local restaurant. It was her day-off when she got the call and learned she’d won the 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE plus $8,500. “This news could not come at a better time. My car is not working right now, so this is amazing news!” Melinda has entered the TMC Mega Raffle three or four times, but this is the first time she’s won a prize. She’s had friends and a sister that have received care at TMC. She said, “It is a good cause and something worth giving my money to.”

Hawaii Vacation Winner – Celeste Kauer

Celeste was one of the final draw vacation winners in the 2018 TMC Raffle. She and her guest, Mark, flew over and stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani in October – the best time to go weather-wise. Celeste shared that the Fairmont Hotel was breath-taking and the staff “especially the concierge staff” were fabulous and extremely helpful. Their room was on the 6^th floor and they had fabulous views of the ocean. One of her favorite parts was the breakfast buffet; there were so many great choices of food and fruit of all kinds. According to Celeste, anyone who goes must try the “Star Fruit”. Their trip was full of adventure including a day trip called the “Road to Hana”, the Te Au Moana Luau, and a visit to the Maui Ocean Center which she highly recommends. “Thank you for this great opportunity for a fantastic vacation. I would never have made this trip if I hadn’t taken the risk of purchasing one of your raffle tickets. I truly had a blast.”