The stakes and anticipation were running high this past March as the winners of the “Throw Your Name in the Hat” raffle were finally drawn. This new incentive program was created in appreciation of our generous Leadership Givers.

High-end prizes were donated by local corporations and awarded to the lucky winners of the first annual United Way Leadership Giving Incentive Program. Prizes included $10,000 toward a new or pre-driven vehicle, donated by Jennings Chevrolet and Jennings Volkswagen, and use of a Wrigley Field Mezzanine Skybox for a Chicago Cubs game, including food and beverages, for 18 people, courtesy of AON.

Other prizes included a United Center Skybox Suite for 10 including standard food and beverage donated by GE Money, two footballs autographed by Mike Ditka, which he and Advocate Health Care donated, and two complete party packages to all attractions at the Brookfield Zoo, compliments of Nicor.

More than 1,000 people registered online to win. Congratulations to all of the winners:
Jason Bendure from Quaker Tropicana Gatorade
George F. Callobre from Northern Trust
Geordan L. Capes from Northern Trust
Gary Carder from PepsiCo.
Tina Cumberlander from UPS
Judy A. Frintner from LaSalle Bank
Denise B. Joyce from Tribune Company
David Lehman from Chicago Board of Trade
John Mezera from Motorola
Rebecca Klem Mills from Aon Corporation
Bernie Vaughan from BP
Tony Wheat from Tribune Company

The prize-drawing was so successful there will be another Leadership Raffle for the United Way 2007 Campaign.

“Thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners, this Leadership Giving Incentive Program not only recognized our top donors, but encouraged others to also give at a Leadership level,” said Barbara Kaplinsky, United Way director of Leadership Giving.