The excitement reached a thrilling level as the 20 semifinalists for the Lake County YMCA 2024 Dream House were unveiled in front of the property on Collaboration Way in Willoughby.
But with a simple turn of the first key, Sherrie Matteson of Lakewood quickly put an end to the whole drama.
Matteson was the first of the 20 semifinalists to draw an envelope with a key inside that promised them a chance to win the new home, valued at over $700,000. With a quick twist, the door opened and the other 19 contestants had to settle for attending the August 11 event.
“I’m speechless right now,” Matteson said. “This is the first time we’ve ever bought tickets to the Dream House and never thought we would win. We haven’t even discussed whether we’re going to take the house or the cash option.”
Matteson brought Gloria Novotny, whom she called her “lucky charm,” and it paid off.
The drawing of the 10 semifinalists for the 2024 Chevy Blazer, donated by the Chevy Network of Dealers and Classic Chevrolet in Mentor, which took place shortly before the house drawing, also ended quickly.
George Ule of Mentor was the third semi-finalist who took an envelope from the trunk of the vehicle. With his grandson Elliot in his arms, he took out the key, pressed the unlock button on the key fob and the car lit up, sending him into a state of shock.
“I can’t believe it,” Ule said. “I’ve been practicing my ‘oh crap’ because 90 percent of the people here aren’t going to win, but guess what, I did.”
This year’s Dream House, built by ProBuilt Homes, captured the community’s attention over the past six weeks, with total ticket sales reported at $1.19 million.
On August 7, the 20 semifinalists for the house and the 10 semifinalists for the car were drawn at a public event at the home of Willoughby Police Chief James Schultz.
The 20 Dream House semifinalists were Matteson, Nathan Bell of Willoughby, John McDougall of Willoughby, Vickie Virant of Eastlake, Shannon Gilham of Cleveland, Laurie Zalac of Clinton, Snjezana Palavra of Mentor, Debbie Jordan of Ashtabula, Melissa Brenner of Chagrin Falls, Amy Gardner of Streetsboro, Kathleene Huntley of Willoughby, John Fortino of Nova, Cyndi Allen of Aurora, Michele Geiger of Akron, Janet Miller of Wooster, Jeffrey Darner of Avon, Karen Danko of Lyndhurst, Jerry Stevens of Warren, Loreto Iafelice of Willoughby and Lynn Radzik of Chardon.
The 10 auto semifinalists were Marcia Kren of Willoughby, Jeffrey Miller of Crestline, Ule, Dale Szaibel of Cleveland, Justine Ovsenik of Willoughby Hills, Raymond Martin of Willoughby, Russell Fischer of Mentor, Pat Beech of Kirtland, Mark Bartolotta of Concord Township and Sally McLeod of Lake Orion, Michigan.
“This year’s Dream Home and Dream Car have generated incredible excitement in the community,” said Dick Bennett, Executive Director and CEO of the Lake County YMCA. “We are so grateful to the 35,000 people who toured the home and the many donors who made this home a true dream home for the community.”
The Lake County YMCA is a cornerstone of the community, offering programs and services that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles, and social responsibility. The Dream House fundraiser is an important part of their mission and helps the YMCA continue to serve the community through a variety of initiatives.
For more information about the 2024 Lake County Dream House and the final drawing, visit the website at lakecountyymca.org.
The event was also streamed live on Facebook.
Originally published:
