By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
You’re kidding ó two words Judy Hutchinson said when she was told she was a finalist in a contest for a new car.
Hutchinson is one of four final names drawn for the Rowan County United Way car giveaway. The giveaway is part of the annual campaign to raise money for the United Way’s partner agencies.
Each week two names are drawn, and those two are placed in the running for a car from one of four local car dealerships.
The final four names were Hutchinson, James Peebles, Rolane Ramsey and Donna Timpf.
A co-worker at Supply One, where she works, told Hutchinson her name was chosen during the Wednesday report meeting.
“It’s fantastic,” Hutchinson said.
Her family, including her husband, Walter, is thrilled that she could possibly win a car in a week or so.
The final report meeting is Nov. 10.
Walter drives an older pickup and the water pump is going out, Hutchinson said.
“He could actually use one,” she said.
Also her granddaughter, Hailey, would probably like a car too, Hutchinson admitted.
Hailey will be getting her license in a couple of weeks, though she hasn’t asked for a car.
“I’m really thrilled to be a finalist. I never had to use the United Way, but they help so many people, and it’s something everybody should help out with,” Hutchinson said.
Peebles said someone at Performance Fibers, where he works, told him about being in the running for a car.
“I was surprised, excited and really just taken aback,” he said.
Peebles actually just bought a car about six months ago, but he has two daughters, one of whom, Raychul, just turned 16.
“If she graduates with honors, it would be hers,” he said.
Peebles said he is fortunate to have a job.
“In today’s market, it’s already a blessing. I realize that no matter how bad it gets, a lot of people have it worse than I do,” he said.
What did his family say about the car?
“Can I have it?” Peebles said, laughing.
He’s certain the United Way helps people in so many different ways.
“Everybody should pitch in and help their neighbor,” he said.
All Ramsey, who works at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, could think of was how nice it would be to have a new car and not have to make a car payment.
“I don’t really need a car, but I would like a new car. I haven’t had a new car in a long while. It’s very exciting,” she said.
She received a phone call telling her she was a finalist.
“I didn’t really believe it. It wasn’t real. It sunk in, and when it did, it got really exciting,” Ramsey said.
She doesn’t have any good luck charms but is simply hoping for the best.
“I really want to win this car. I have one chance out of 12, and that’s pretty good odds,” she said.
Timpf has always been a huge supporter of the United Way. She was even co-chair of her company’s campaign one year.
Timpf works at Rowan Regional Medical Center. This year at a leadership team retreat they passed a hat and collected $5,000.
She turned in her donation at the beginning of the campaign and forgot about the car drawing.
“I was in shock,” she said.
She has a car, an Oldsmobile Aurora.
“I love the car I have, but it is over eight years old. My husband says I need to buy one now. He is even more thrilled,” Timpf said.
She is hoping and wishing for the best.
“I said to myself I’m not going to pray for this because I feel there are bigger, more important things I could save my prayers for ó others, sick people, the military,” she said.