By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Dorothy Williams was nearing the end of her shift Wednesday at Abundant Living Adult Day Care when she was called aside by director Barbara Garwood. Williams thought she’d done something wrong, which couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Williams, who works in the food services department at the adult day care facility, was surrounded by staff when she was told she was in the running to receive a new car.
Williams’ name was one of three chosen during Wednesday’s Rowan County United Way meeting.
The names of James “Jimmy” Davis of Freightliner and Millbridge Elementary School teacher Kelley Vinson were also chosen.
She had made a contribution to this year’s United Way campaign and is now a finalist in the car giveaway.
Four Salisbury automotive dealers – Team Chevrolet, Gerry Wood Auto Group, Ben Mynatt Nissan and Cloninger Ford/Toyota – team up to award the new car to a contributor.
Throughout the United Way campaign, names will be chosen. At the end of the campaign, one person will win a car.
“She said, ‘I have some good news I want to share with everyone,'” Williams said.
Williams, of Woodleaf, is a newlywed and didn’t realize her name had been called.
“You could feel the excitement in the air. I thought something good is going to happen to somebody. I wanted to know what was going on,” she said.
Williams said she’s still overwhelmed, “I had to do a happy dance.”
Williams just bought a car, but if she won, she’d give the car to her daughters, both of whom need a vehicle, she said.
Williams said she enjoys giving and makes regular donations to other charities.
Davis, who lives in Mooresville, said he’s been contributing to the campaign for the past two years. He said he could use a new car since his car is 12 years old.
His supervisor called him on the phone to reveal the news.
“I was surprised. It’s not something that you normally get lucky enough to have happen to you,” Davis said.
Davis said he’s just glad to be able to contribute.
“I know a lot of people aren’t as fortunate as we are to be able to have a good job,” he said.
Davis, who has been working at Freightliner for 16 years, said he’s tickled to be a finalist.
Vinson, who teaches second grade, heard about being a finalist when her students heard the news.
Principal Chris Smith made an announcement on the school’s intercom about Vinson’s name being chosen.
“It was enjoyable and fun to see their reaction to my good news,” she said.
Vinson said she’s humbled. “You never think your name is going to be the one chosen.”
She is also grateful to be able to give and help others.
Vinson has been teaching at Millbridge since 2005, but has been teaching for 14 years.
A native of Rowan County, Vinson has been a regular contributor to the campaign. She and her husband, Josh, regularly give to the campaign. Josh teaches at South Rowan High.
The couple have two daughters, Olivia, 8, and Victoria, 5, who they teach to give to others.
“We tell the children it’s better to give than to receive,” Vinson said.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.