What could be more fun than a lot of clapping, whooping it up, and happy smiles?
That’s exactly what happened not once, not twice, but for each of the four afternoons at Road 2014. Why? Because it was time for the new Daily Raffle. Each day, anxious and hopeful attendees gathered in the North Lobby of the Ontario Convention Center hoping to hear their name called as that day’s winner.
To enter, all any attendee had to do was fill out a raffle slip at the North Information Desk before the drawing was held that day. Entries were collected in a large, gold drum. Then, precisely at 3:30 p.m., Road Staffer Randy Graves, gave the drum one last spin, unlatched the door and pulled out a winning ticket.
In order to collect their prize, the lucky winner had to be present at the time of the drawing. They had fifteen minutes to identify themselves once their name was read. Every opportunity was given for the winner to come forth and be recognized. The winner was announced over the loudspeaker in the Exhibit Hall and the Pavilion. Because the mike couldn’t be heard in the main hall, Road Staffers walked up and down the venue yelling the prospective winner’s name. Even the class lists were verified just in case the prospective winner was in a class. On Thursday and Friday, the first names called did not respond, so Randy had to pick a another name. In both cases, the second winners came jubilantly to the award area. Carolyn Reese presented the winners with their prize. There was much congratulating complete with hugs and high fives.
Who were the winners of our inaugural Daily Raffle and what did they win?
Thursday- Bernina 215 donated by Mel’s Sewing and Fabric Center
Socorro Lapp of Yorba Linda California. Socorro has only been quilting for three years. This was her first time at Road to California. Her friend Becky brought her. Socorro was in the Exhibit Hall when she heard the first name called. She wondered, “Why wasn’t that lady screaming?” Then, when her name was called, she started to scream and ran all the way to the information table.
Socorro said she has never won anything before. She wanted to thank Road to California “For making this a fun place to go shopping.”
Friday- Babylock Sofia 2 donated by Moore’s Sewing
Pam Pfister is originally from Kentucky. She moved to Brea, California a year and a half ago when her daughter had twins. Pam is a new quilter and Road was the first quilt show she had ever gone to. She came on a bus with other quilters connected with The Calico House and Cranberry Quiltworks in Placentia, California. In fact, she held the bus up from leaving because “She just wanted to make sure just in case her name was called.” What was Pam’s reaction? “Unbelievable.” 
Saturday- Husqvarna Viking 670 donated by OC Sewing and Vacuum
Another enthusiastic winner was Linda Brown of Canyon Lake, California. There were actually two Linda Browns at the show. Both came to the desk to claim their prize. The winning Linda Brown was identified by the phone number she wrote down on the raffle ticket. (We felt so bad for the other Linda Brown). This was the eighth Road to California Linda has gone to. Each year, she attends with four friends. They stay for two days and “Have a great time.” Linda has been quilting for 10 years. Her new machine joins her collection of three antique sewing machines at home. 
Sunday- Martelli La Cresta Premiere Work Station donated by Martelli Enterprises
Eloise Sadler was the final winner. Her prize was valued at $1,299.98!!!
Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to the great companies that donated such fabulous prizes.
Do you think we should have a Daily Raffle next year?
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