October 22, 2008
For Immediate Release
For more information: Kena Jo Mathews (801) 344-8527
University Marketing & Communications: Erin Spurgeon, (801) 863-6807
Written by: Britnee Nguyen, (801) 863-8504
Two Utah County locals – Utah Valley University student Danny Gibbons and Habitat for Humanity of Utah County – are currently in the running to receive cash awards from Wells Fargo’s “Someday Stories” contest. Wells Fargo will provide cash awards to the winning individual and the winning nonprofit organization to help each achieve their “Someday Story” dream.
Gibbons, a physical education major from Orem, is a finalist in the essay contest for the story he submitted about his nearly fatal car accident that occurred in 2005, which he said helped him realize his dream of becoming a physical therapist to give back and help others going through rehab. Gibbons is one of five finalists selected for the grand prize. As a finalist, Gibbons has already received $10,000 and plans to use the winnings for schooling and for his wife and new baby girl.
The second part of the competition, in addition to the essay contest, features voting for nonprofit organizations. Habitat for Humanity International is one of the nonprofit organizations Wells Fargo has selected for the contest. If Habitat for Humanity wins, the three Habitat for Humanity affiliates that generate the most votes during the contest will receive a portion of the grand prize – up to $112,500. Residents of Utah County can help the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate receive part of the funds by voting online.
Winners of the contest are chosen based on those with the most votes submitted online. The essay finalist with the most votes will be awarded $100,000 while the nonprofit organization with the most votes receives $250,000. The nonprofit organization with the second most votes receives $150,000 and the organization third most receives $50,000.
Voting began on Sept. 17 and ends Nov. 10. As of Oct. 21, Gibbons and Habitat for Humanity are both second place in their respective categories. Voters from Utah County should enter in 84058 as the zip code when voting online to ensure Habitat for Humanity of Utah County receives voting credit. To vote, go to www.wellsfargo.com/somedaycontest/.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Utah County, call (801) 344-8527 or visit www.habitatuc.org.
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