Posted 2:52 am Saturday, September 04, 2010
Bullard Family Wins Big In Brookshire's Contest
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
BULLARD -- Troy and Ginger Bell played Brookshire's Thanks A Million Collect & Win Game because it was fun, but they never expected to win a lot of money.
Staff Writer
BULLARD -- Troy and Ginger Bell played Brookshire's Thanks A Million Collect & Win Game because it was fun, but they never expected to win a lot of money.
So the family was elated Friday when, after several weeks of playing, they were presented with a $25,000 check at the Brookshire's Food & Pharmacy in Bullard.
"We can't believe it. Poor people really win these things," Mrs. Bell said with a laugh.
She said she and her husband plan to tithe 10 percent of the money, put some in savings and pay off debt they incurred taking care of a child.
The game is part of a 15-week promotion that began last month in nearly 120 Brookshire's stores in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, and included the re-launch of the Thank You Card, according to a store news release.
Customers receive a game piece with each transaction when the card is used and earn "bonus" game pieces when they purchase selected products.
Bullard Store Director Tony Johnson said the Bell family is the biggest winner the company has had with the store version of the game. A winner in Whitehouse received $25,000 through the online version.
"For it to happen in this community is good for the community and store as well," Johnson said.
Mrs. Bell, who is the director of admissions and marketing at The Brook Hill School, said she found out that she and her husband won after their godson called her.
It was unexpected, she said, as there are only 17 stickers on a game piece and it took five to win.
The family ultimately sees the experience as God's providence.
"This amount after taxes is enough for us to realize God's taking care of us," Mrs. Bell said.
The Thanks A Million Collect & Win Game continues through mid-November.
According to Brookshire's, prizes still available, through vendor partnerships with Brookshire's, include $50,000 cash, a Ford F-150 truck, a Ford Escape Hybrid, a Ford Mustang, Apple iPads and Brookshire's gift cards. There are also 14 chances to win a cruise.
In the online version, at www.brookshires.com, more than $1,180,000 will be given away in cash, vehicles, gift cards, cruises and iPads, a news release states.
"We're very excited for the Bell family," said Brian Johnson, Brookshire's district manager. "We hope to give more of these away soon. It's fun to give money away."
