By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Glenn McDonald’s 1967 Cadillac has been around the block a time or two. He wants to upgrade.
McDonald’s was one of two names drawn Wednesday during Rowan County United Way’s first campaign meeting.
He and Tammy Myers are the first finalists for the annual campaign’s car giveaway. The car will be awarded at the end of the campaign in November.
McDonald bought his Cadillac 25 years ago from a used-car dealership in Rockwell. He drove it for eight years, then his younger brother drove the car for a year.
His brother died four years ago, and the car was given to McDonald’s nephew, who then gave it back to McDonald.
“I’m very excited and in disbelief,” McDonald said of his chance to get a new car.
His was at the meeting when his name was drawn. McDonald is a volunteer, helping with fundraising at Rowan Vocational Opportunities, where he works.
He said there really is a need for people to donate their time and money.
He participates every year to raise funds.
“I’m proud to give to the United Way. In my life, I know that what I give, I will get back many times over,” he said.
He and his wife, Marcia, have been looking at cars for some time.
McDonald had not told his wife that he was in the running for the car, but promised to call her as soon as the meeting was over.
He said he knew she’d be surprised.
Myers received a 4:30 p.m. phone call from Jackie Harris, United Way marketing and campaign director.
She was at work at the Rowan County Register of Deeds when the phone rang.
“I had to catch my breath,” she said.
Myers said she was glad to be seated when she got the news, because she felt like she was going to pass out.
“I kept saying, ‘Oh my God, oh my God,’ ” she said.
As soon as Myers got off the phone, she told her co-workers and called her husband.
Her co-workers teased her about remaining calm since it was obvious she couldn’t.
Her husband kept saying, “No way. You’re kidding,” Myers said.
He met her at her car after work.
The son of co-worker Sandra Campbell, Darrius, pulled her name during the drawing.
Myers said she recently bought a sport utility vehicle, but her husband could really use a truck.
“The family needs another vehicle,” she said.
Myers has been participating in the United Way campaign since 1994, when she worked at Imperial Supplies with David Freeze and then GDX.
She also gave at other times of the year, such as Christmas.
Myers hopes her name is chosen in the final drawing for the car.