Brian Sharp, a senior project manager at Stryker Corporation, is enjoying his daily commute in his new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup. The impressive, gleaming black ride was his vehicle of choice after winning the recent United Way Sweepstakes. Brian took delivery of the truck this month from Seelye Ford in Kalamazoo.  

Brian said he’s been a donor to – and an advocate for – United Way because of its positive impact. “It’s a great community organization. I know all the different groups that United Way supports. I feel it’s very important to give back to the community,” he said. 

This year marks the third automobile giveaway as part of the annual United Way campaign. The sweepstakes provides a new vehicle of the winner’s choice up to a value of $30,000. A new, undesignated gift of $50 or more, or an undesignated gift that has increased from the previous year by $25, automatically qualified a contributor for the drawing. Some 7,754 people were entered in the drawing.  

A popular incentive for contributors, the United Way Sweepstakes is funded entirely by Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, DeNooyer Chevrolet, Heritage Chevrolet, Cole Nissan Cadillac GMC Buick, Henkel Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Orrin B. Hayes, Lassen Automotive, Metro Toyota, Zeigler Kalamazoo, Lakeview Ford Lincoln, Seelye Auto Group and Sunshine Toyota.