Gary Ratkiewicz is the Grand Prize winner of a new car

Gary Ratkiewicz is the recipient of the ultimate holiday gift - a new car ­ thanks to his donation to the United Way of Westmoreland County 2005 fall campaign. Ratkiewicz, and his wife Audra were on hand for the Dec. 14th drawing of the campaigns top prizes: a deluxe gas grill donated by Dominion Transmission; and a 55-inch big screen television, donated by Sony Technology Center. Nancy Kukovich, president of the United Way of Westmoreland County, said three area dealerships stepped forward this year to donate the car: the Smail Family of Dealerships, Toyota of Greensburg, and Sendell Motors.

The winner of the car can shop around these three dealers for a modestly-priced vehicle or the winner can use the value of the car and trade up, Kukovich said.

The car is a wonderful gift for the winner each year. It is a win for United Way as well. Over the five years of the car incentive, the average gift amount has gone from $80 to almost $156.

Area car dealerships have helped the United Way make someones dream of a new car come true for the past five years.

Ratkiewicz was thrilled beyond words. His wife said they were in complete shock.

We've been donating to the United Way for 11 years, said Ratkiewicz, who works for Erie Insurance. This is the first time I've won the big prize.

Cindy Teamann, a United Way leadership giver and an employee with Allegheny Power of Greensburg, has donated to the United Way for more than 20 years. She was the winner of the stainless steel gas grill.

An 8-year promise from Latrobe resident Carolyn Raishart to her son Tony, came true during the drawing. Raishart was the happy winner of the big screen Sony television. Every year I ask Tony what he wants for Christmas and his birthday and he always says a big screen TV, said Raishart, an administrative secretary for Excela Health Latrobe Area Hospital. She could never get one for him until now. Raishart, who has participated in the United Way's annual campaign since 1980, said she was giving her son the television. I've been promising him for years if I won I would give him the prize,she added. Her son, who also lives in Latrobe, said he planned on hooking up the television immediately.

Donors giving $3 per week or $156 a year were eligible for the Incentive program drawing. Seven other participants won consolation prizes from Sony Technology Center.

Visit United Way of Westmoreland County at:

www.unitedway4u.org