Jolietan wins a Camaro
September 16, 2010
JOLIET -- Vanessa Romeo of Joliet is grinning ear-to-ear these days after hearing her name announced at the Live-United Camaro Raffle drawing at a Joliet JackHammers game at Silver Cross Field.
Sponsored by the United Way of Will County, the raffle's winning ticket made Romeo the owner of the 2010 white Camaro RS.
"I did not realize they called my name," said Romeo. "I was at the game with my daughter and grandchildren -- and I was walking the little one because he was getting tired. I looked over to see my daughter jumping down -- then everyone started coming up to me ... I don't remember anything else."
Romeo and her husband, Nathaniel, have been involved with United Way for years. She is vice president of programs and MCP project director for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.
"My most important connection to United Way though is by growing up in the Fairmount area where the agency has helped me in many ways -- including ways I'm probably not even aware of," she said.
The raffle was part of the United Way of Will County's summer kickoff for its 2010-11 campaign. In partnership with D'Arcy Motors, the Joliet JackHammers, Route 66 Speedway, Signs by Tomorrow Plainfield and NextMedia, United Way hosted the raffle to provide more support during difficult times.
"This car was a real beauty, and it's nice to know that someone so dedicated to helping others is the recipient of it," said Mike Hennessy, United Way of Will County president and CEO.