We’ve got a winner!
Very excited first-time car-owner drives away gorgeous Nissan Rogue Platinum.
Lottery raised $112,125 to help RAPS save lives!
Karen Mae Urbano was busy at work at an eye clinic in West Vancouver on March 8, but she hadn’t forgotten that RAPS was drawing the winner of a new car. She assumed the winner would be notified by email and, when there was no message by 4 pm, she didn’t hold out much hope of winning a new car.
On the other hand, she didn’t pay much attention to the multiple “unknown callers” on her phone.
When she checked her voicemail, she was asked to call RAPS.
That got her attention. Unfortunately, there was a little more telephone tag before she got the great news – She is the winner of the brand new Nissan Rogue Platinum!
Karen showed up the next Saturday at Applewood Nissan, accompanied by an excited entourage that included her sister, her boyfriend and her cousin – and her cousin’s equally excited dog, Loki.
Joined by representatives of Applewood Auto Group and RAPS, Karen pulled a black wrap to reveal the gleaming new car with a giant red bow.
The winner and her friends applauded and Loki joined them in jumping in the vehicle.
This is Karen’s first car. She has been scouring Marketplace and Craigslist for a used vehicle.
“I never thought to buy a brand-new car because of course it’s not in my budget,” she said. She did, however, purchase 50 tickets in the Applewood/RAPS Vehicle Lottery. One of those was the lucky one among thousands!
“I was just screaming,” she recalls of hearing the news … before clarifying that she was still at work: “It was a silent scream because I didn’t want to get attention.”
Running her hands across the candy apple red Rogue, she said: “This is more than I was praying for. I’ve been so blessed and thankful to you guys for making my dream come true.”
Karen noted she had never heard of RAPS before she saw an ad for the car lottery. As she learned more, she realizes it is an organization she wants to support.
“I love what you do. It’s amazing,” she said. “You have a wide scope. You have the sanctuary, the hospital, thrift stores and the adoption center. I love it.”
The Nissan Rogue Platinum has a “pet package” that keeps pets comfortable and safe and Loki took to the car immediately. Though Karen does not have a pet of her own, she is considering adoption.
“The next time you see me it may be me adopting a cat at RAPS,” she says.
The Applewood/RAPS Vehicle Lottery raised $112,125 to help RAPS save and improve the lives of animals.
RAPS is overwhelmed by the ongoing support of Applewood Auto Group, our most devoted community partner. In addition to donating this vehicle, Applewood also provided RAPS Urgent Transport Unit – and is retrofitting it for animal care. Above all, Applewood made possible the entire RAPS Animal Hospital by providing – rent-free – the 6,000-square-foot space that houses the hospital and RAPS administration centre.
“The animals of RAPS have no better friend than Applewood Auto Group,” said Eyal Lichtmann, RAPS CEO. “”Together, we are saving lives and making the world better every day!”
The Applewood family congratulated Karen and all the winners and joins RAPS in thanking everyone who participated in the lottery.
“From the heart of our community at Applewood, we extend a sincere thank you to each one of you who purchased tickets to the RAPS Nissan Rogue Platinum Raffle. Your enthusiasm and generosity are paving the way to a profound impact for our furry friends. Thank you for being a part of this cause and for helping us to make things better in our community.”
Congratulations Karen and thanks to everyone who participated!
