Campaign contributors awarded grand prizes in United Way Challenge

Weekly contributors to 2016 United Way campaign eligible to win

While more than 20,000 were eligible, 21 weekly contributors to the 2016 United Way campaign won grand prize awards as part of the 11^th annual United Way Challenge on Friday.

Winners included:

•$1,000 Evans Bank Debit Cards: Patrick Burke (Ingram Micro), David Hopkins (Sumitomo Rubber USA, Michael Cichon (NFTA), Marie Howe (Buffalo Retired Teachers)

•$1,000 Wegmans Gift Cards: Chantel Nalls Butler (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), John Lewandowski (Rich Products Corp.), Daniel Snell (Mollenberg-Betz), Linda McQuillan (Insyte Consulting) and Elizabeth Crocker (M&T Bank).

•$1,000 Tops Gasoline Cards: Dominique Worthy (GEICO), Lisa Taylor (Praxair), Rhona Lawrence (Rental Assistance Corp. of Buffalo), Denise Gonez-Santos (Erie 1 BOCES) and Keith Tyger (Ford).

•$1,000 Ashley Homestore Gift Card: Anthony Snyder (Tops Friendly Markets), Janita Melendez (GEICO), Harrita West (KeyBank), Linda Eckert (Child & Adolescent Treatment Services) and Douglas Stryker (Calspan).

•Kennedy Space Center Trip to Florida made possible by Delaware North Companies: Marlene Stephan (Wegmans).

•Sports Fanatic Pack that includes tickets donated by the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Bisons: Sean Spiesz (M&T Bank).

Winners of the Challenge, which includes all local United Way organizations (including Allegany United Way, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, United Way of Cattaraugus County, United Way of Greater Niagara and the United Way of the Tonawandas), were announced at an event held at the headquarters of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.

The winners were randomly chosen from a pool of contributors who pledged at least $1 per week to their local United Way as part of the 2016 annual fundraising campaign.

Patrick Hammer of WGRZ-TV Channel 2 was emcee of the event.

Prizes were also awarded weekdays throughout the campaign and announced on sponsor WGRZ's "Daybreak" program. Major sponsors of the United Way Challenge included Evans Bank, Wegmans, Tops, Delaware North, The Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Bisons, Tops Friendly Markets and Ashley Homestore. All daily prizes were also locally donated.

Michael Weiner, president and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, said, "We are so grateful to our wonderful sponsors who support the campaign with these sought-after gifts that contribute to the campaign's momentum. It helps us recognize at least a portion of the thousands of generous donors throughout the region who make an ongoing commitment to supporting the United Way and the work of so many critical community organizations."

About United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County brings people, organizations and resources together to improve community well-being. Through program funding, community collaborations and strategic initiatives in the areas of education, financial stability and health and wellness, United Way helps children reach their full potential, adults and families achieve financial stability, and people of all ages achieve and maintain physical, social and emotional health.

For more information, visit www.uwbec.org.