Homer Alaska - Business -

When Seaman's ticket was the 500th one to be drawn Nov. 6, he was given the choice of $15,000 cash or one of three vehicles offered by Stanley Ford of Soldotna. Seaman chose a light blue Ford Edge.

"My wife, Betty, even said that morning, 'We need to get a new vehicle with four-wheel drive so I don't have to worry about you.'" Seaman said of his wife's concerns before he drove to Anchorage.

Just as Seaman and family members in Anchorage were about to begin dinner, Seaman's phone rang.

"Tina (Day), whom I've known as a friend and fellow Rotarian, called. I thought I was late on my Rotarian dues," Seaman said of his first reaction upon hearing it was Day, the chamber's executive director, on the phone. "I was pretty amazed I'd won."

Although he was unaware of having to pay a 25 percent gift tax, Seaman chose the vehicle and is happy he did.

"Basically, I got a very nice vehicle for $6,000," he said.

Jenny Martin sold Seaman the winning ticket. For her effort, she wins $1,000.

"I guess she's my good luck," Seaman said.

Other winners in the chamber's car raffle included Mary Baringer, who is $499 richer for having the 499th ticket to be drawn. Ben Tucker won a Phoenix 150cc Scooter from Homer Saw and Cycle.

Only 500 tickets are sold during the raffle. It is cosponsored by Homer Chamber of Commerce and Stanley Ford. Kate Mitchell, owner of NOMAR and Main Street Mercantile, is credited with having thought up the idea for the annual raffle 10 years ago. Since then, it has raised more than 225,000 for the chamber.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.