2011 Raffle Winners
Five lucky United Way donors were rewarded for their generous support of our 2011 Campaign when their tickets were drawn from more than 12,000 entries in our GAVE BACK. WON BIG. Sweepstakes.
Volunteer Campaign Chair Michael A. Frey, whose day job 
is President and COO of Touchpoint Technologies, LLC, pulled the winning tickets out of a huge rotating drum to the cheers and applause of United Way staffers and volunteers. Mike, along with United Way Vice President David Lewis and the United Way Surprise Patrol, traveled around the county to deliver the good news to the winners, who chose their prizes in the order their tickets were drawn.
is President and COO of Touchpoint Technologies, LLC, pulled the winning tickets out of a huge rotating drum to the cheers and applause of United Way staffers and volunteers. Mike, along with United Way Vice President David Lewis and the United Way Surprise Patrol, traveled around the county to deliver the good news to the winners, who chose their prizes in the order their tickets were drawn.
The Surprise Patrol, balloon bouquets in hand, made the first stop at Berk-Tek’s New Holland facility where William Villani, 46, senior process development technician, had first pick of the five prizes. Bill, who lives in Mountville, really wanted that sweet Harley. After much agonizing and a call to his wife, Lisa, he chose $10,000 worth of groceries from Darrenkamp’s. The food will come in handy especially since Bill and Lisa’s three sons, ages 22, 19, and 14, have healthy appetites.Joe, Dave, Ryan and Jane Darrenkamp – generous community supporters themselves – were on hand to congratulate Bill and arrange to deliver 100 grocery gift cards valued at $100 each.
“I give because I like to help other people and the community,” Bill said. “I didn’t realize how easy it is to give through payroll deduction. United Way – it does good for everyone.”
Lancaster General Hospital on Lime Street was the Surprise Patrol’s second stop where Jerry J. Griffin, staff chaplain on the Palliative Care Team, couldn’t believe his good 
fortune. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said. “This is unbelievable.” It definitely was his lucky year; he also won LGH’s employee incentive prize, a GPS system. The Lititz resident picked the $2,500 VISA card donated by Fulton Bank, which will come in handy for a home remodeling project he’s been pondering.
fortune. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said. “This is unbelievable.” It definitely was his lucky year; he also won LGH’s employee incentive prize, a GPS system. The Lititz resident picked the $2,500 VISA card donated by Fulton Bank, which will come in handy for a home remodeling project he’s been pondering.Jerry, 73, has been a faithful United Way donor for 45 years. He describes his donation philosophy this way: “A single kernel of corn when planted becomes an ear in its development which, in turn, produces many more kernels, and on and on. That’s how I perceive the power of the United Way! My meager gift when formed into the whole makes a larger impact than on its own.”
At Covance Research Products in Denver, Andrew Smith, 59, was getting ready to go home after working the third shift in maintenance when the United Way’s Surprise Patrol rolled up, trailing the XL 883 Super Low Harley-Davidson Sportster, courtesy of RKL and Lancaster Harley-Davidson. One look at the motorcycle and Andy made his pick right away. The Bernville resident used to ride years ago and can’t wait to hit the road again on two wheels.“I never expected this,” Andy said. “I give every year because it’s a good program. I’ve seen some of the work of United Way and I know some people who have been helped. We’re doing all right even in this economy and we want to help others.”
The Walmart store on Lincoln Highway was bustling with holiday shoppers when the Surprise Patrol stopped in to find the fourth winner, Maria Santini, the store manager. 
Surrounded by her employees, who cheered her on, Maria picked the $2,500 Voyager gasoline card from Rhoads Energy to help with her daily commute from her home in York. “I give to United Way because that’s what we’re all about here at Walmart – giving back to the community,” Maria declared.
Surrounded by her employees, who cheered her on, Maria picked the $2,500 Voyager gasoline card from Rhoads Energy to help with her daily commute from her home in York. “I give to United Way because that’s what we’re all about here at Walmart – giving back to the community,” Maria declared.United Way Board member Scott Burky, vice president at Rhoads Energy, was on hand to congratulate Maria for her smart choice.
The last stop for the Surprise Patrol was the New Holland headquarters of CNH, where Edward Bunker, 80, works as an industrial engineering consultant after formally retiring years ago from the manufacturing firm. Ed and his wife, Patricia, are looking forward to the four-day, three-night Caribbean cruise for two, courtesy of Travel Time & Bailey Travel.Ed, a Lancaster resident, has been a faithful United Way donor since 1953, when he started working at age 22. That’s 58 years! And he continues to participate in CNH’s campaign as a retiree.
“United Way covers so many programs that make a difference for people all over the county, and helps improve life for all of us here,” he said. “I think so many retirees don’t realize they can – and should – continue to donate. It makes a difference. ”