Craig Griffieon of Ankeny has won the 2009 Toyota "Clover" Corolla in the second annual Iowa 4-H Vehicle Raffle. The drawing was held October 9 over the noon hour on 1040 WHO Radio's The Big Show, to culminate National 4-H Week.
When asked how it feels to win, Griffieon responded, “It’s unbelievable. I never thought I might win. I’ve won a pie here and there, but not anything this big. With all of the people that bought tickets, I can’t believe I’m that lucky.”
Griffieon first found out about his winning when Phil Heckman, Polk County 4-H Youth Coordinator, called him. Within minutes everyone was calling him. Griffieon said, “I think everyone was listening but me! My phone hasn’t stopped ringing yet.”
“We’re proud to have Craig win the car. The Griffieon family has been very active in 4-H and are strong 4-H supporters,” said Heckman.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation partnered with Wilson Toyota of Ames to give away the “Clover Corolla,” which sported a special 4-H clover wrap from Sign Pro of Ames.
“Raising more than $40,000 for the Iowa 4-H program, this raffle has been a creative way to raise funds for 4-H, despite budget cuts that are impacting the 4-H program statewide,” said Shelly Greving, marketing coordinator for the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
The car had been on display and raffle tickets were available at more than 30 county fairs and events throughout the state since late June. Greving said 8,500 tickets had been sold. Griffieon had purchased the winning ticket at the Iowa State Fair.