On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, Robert Garramone, from Utica, New York, became the winner of the 24th annual $100,000 Miracle Drawing. Proceeds of the fundraiser benefit our local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS).
Garramone has purchased Miracle Drawing tickets in the past, so when he stopped at Countryside Stove and Chimney in Marcy, New York, to purchase chemicals for his pool, he decided it was a good time to get his ticket for this year.
“I like to support this raffle every year and give myself a chance to win,” said Garramone. “So when I was at Countryside Stove and Chimney, I figure I would give it a chance again – especially since it is also for such a good cause.”
On the evening of the drawing, Garramone was at home with his family watching the drawing live on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 to see who the winner was.
“I was listening to the numbers being called out, and I was like those are my numbers,” said Garramone. “Then I heard my name called, and I couldn’t believe it. Before I knew it, my phone was ringing off the hook with friends and family telling me that I had won.”
Robert plans to save some of his winnings and is planning a trip to Disneyland with his grandchildren.
The project, which benefits Maternal Child Services at MVHS, has raised more than $5.1 million over the past 24 years. Partners of the $100,000 Miracle Drawing are WKTV NEWSChannel 2, GPO Federal Credit Union, AmeriCU Credit Union and PJ Green.
“We are so thankful to all of the businesses, community partners and individuals that support this campaign; we wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” said Andrea MacDiarmid, CMN coordinator for MVHS. “Through the amazing response and overwhelming generosity in our community, we sold all of the 4,300 available tickets. We have one grand prize winner and six bonus prize winners. Their support makes a difference in the lives of so many of the families we care for at MVHS.”
For more information and to view the recipients of the six bonus prizes, call the MVHS Foundation at 315-624-5600 or visit mvhealthsystem.org/CMN.
Photo caption: Andrea MacDiarmid, Mohawk Valley Health System Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals coordinator, presents the winner of the $100,000 Miracle Drawing, Robert Garramone, with a check for $100,000. Garramone received the check, along with his mother and the owner of Countryside Stove and Chimney where he purchased the winning ticket. (Pictured left to right): Steve Chruscicki of Countryside Stove and Chimney, Andrea MacDiarmid, Robert Garramone and Frances Garramone.
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