Winning it big in Fireworks Committee raffle

By Laura Hancock
Media and Publications Writer
lhancock@eou.edu

LA GRANDE — Stacy Blackman took home $1,418 worth of goods from Albertson's on July 20 after winning the Fireworks Committee's annual shopping spree raffle.

                      
                                                Photo/Steve Combs
Shopping spree winner Stacy Blackman, center, with Albertson's store manager Connie Hoskins and Bruce Weimer, La Grande Fire Chief and  Fireworks Committee chairman.
             

That's more than anyone has managed to grab in the four-year history of the shopping spree, said Steve Combs, fundraising coordinator. The limit is $1,500.

"I made two trips down the cleaning isle!" said Blackman, who had prepared herself the night before by making a trial run through the store. She zeroed in on items that she could sweep into her cart with her arms, avoiding breakables.

Stephanie Upshaw

Blackman is the office manager for Admissions at EOU. The entire department was there to cheer her on as she raced down the isles.

Beth Upshaw, assistant to the dean of the College of Education and Business, also had reason to celebrate. Her daughter Stephanie won a 1994 Ford Taurus donated by Legacy Ford in La Grande. Entering the raffle is a tradition for their family, said Upshaw. Stephanie's aunt bought the winning ticket for her before she knew that Stephanie actually was in need of a car.

"The timing was just right," said Beth of the fortunate turn of events.

Stephanie, who grew up in Union, is a junior at Western Oregon University. She is majoring in business and is an avid cross country runner.

The Fireworks Committee plans to start ticket sales for next summer's raffle in October.