Greenwood Chevrolet Goes the Extra Mile for United Way Donor
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Rita Stringham of Howland never thought that her years of giving to the United Way of Trumbull County would one day reap rewards.
But on Thursday evening, the winner of this year’s Greenwood Extra Mile Giveaway drove out of Greenwood Chevrolet’s showroom in a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
“I’ve never had a new car before,” said Stringham, who along with her husband, Chris, and two sons, Hunter, 13, and Carson, 6, were on hand to accept the vehicle as part of the annual event.
This is the 13th year for the Extra Mile Giveaway, a partnership between Greenwood Chevrolet, the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the United Way of Trumbull County.
Ten finalists – five from Trumbull County and five from Mahoning County – were selected among a larger slate who donated a minimum of $260 to the organizations in 2022. The finalists were randomly picked to select one of 10 numbered keys to a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The finalist who picks the key that starts the Trailblazer has the option of driving home in that vehicle or $15,000 in cash, all courtesy of Greenwood Chevrolet.
As luck would have it, Stringham was picked first to select a key and chose the correct one – key No. 4.
“When it started, my heart stopped,” Stringham said. “I was completely shocked and so happy.”
Greg Greenwood, president of Greenwood Chevrolet, said it’s the first time that any winner picked the correct key on the first attempt. Over the past several years, winners have opted for the money instead of the vehicle.
Stringham opted for the vehicle because she wanted to upgrade from her four-door that still has a tape deck, she said, smiling.
The selection event was taped last week and broadcast on WYTV on Wednesday. Stringham made her decision to accept the car Thursday evening at the Greenwood Chevrolet dealership in Austintown.
Stringham said she supports the United Way of Trumbull County each year through a workplace campaign at Trumbull Industries.
Sean Greenwood, service manager at Greenwood, said the event is a way for the dealership to give back to those who support the United Way and highlight all the good work the organization does.
“United Way touches so many different homes and families,” he said. “They do a fantastic job, and it’s our way of giving back as well.”
Christine Cope, president of United Way of Trumbull County, said the Greenwood team has been gracious to donate a vehicle every year for the event.
“It really helps our campaign,” Cope said, noting events such as these boost awareness of the role United Way plays in the community. “The event is so much fun. Every year, we go around and let the finalists know, and that’s the best part of my year.”
Other finalists for the Extra Mile Giveaway were: Angela Kearns, Bridget Lambright-Tommelleo, Tom Reda, Susan Thomas and Toni Viscounte from Mahoning County; and Sue Alberti, Denise Delqualia, John Taylor and Nicole Whitsel from Trumbull County.
As for Stringham, among the first family getaways planned in the new SUV will be due south. “We’re planning on doing a vacation and traveling down to North Carolina to see some family down there.”
Pictured at top: From left, Hunter, Chris, Rita and Carson Stringham of Howland enjoy their new 2022 Chevy Trailblazer.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
