Hulan Edward, a graduate of Billings West High School, got a call Thursday afternoon that he won a new 2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV. He sounded a little shocked on the other end of the line but happy.
That call, on speaker phone, came from the director of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, Krista Hertz. She told him his name had just been drawn on live TV during the Q2 Noon News. The vehicle, donated by Denny Menholt Chevrolet, is worth more than $33,000.
But Edward wasn't the only winner from this raffle. This year, The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools raised $85,220 for public school clubs, teams and PTAs. That's $30,000 more than raised in 2019.
Students from each group sold $10 raffle tickets, for a chance to win the SUV, and 100% of the proceeds goes back to students through the Billings Education Foundation.
"It is super exciting to be able to have somebody get excited about winning a car and supporting education," said Hertz, "and we're so thrilled and thankful for Denny Menholt Chevrolet and their generosity to make this happen."
Denny Menholt, the owner of Denny Menholt Chevrolet, drew the winning ticket Thursday, and stressed the importance of this fundraiser. He mentioned funding from ticket sales will help support many projects in our elementary, middle and high schools across the community.
For example, money raised will be used for needed technology, equipment for sports programs, support for music programs, science equipment and much more. The money raised will also help support the Backpack Meals, Teen Pantry, Classroom Grants, and Reading Rocks programs of the Education Foundation.
Watch the live drawing below:
