SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Springfield, Ohio — A local raffle that raises thousands of dollars each year for area charities and non profits was more successful this year than last year, raffle organizers said.

More than $200,000 in prizes were handed out this year in the American Dream Raffle, Raffle Chairman Pat Hearlihy said.

On Thursday, May 8, Esther Meng was named the grand prize winner and her name was announced live on K-99.1 FM. Meng will take home the grand prize of $100,000. She may take time to travel to England, Ireland and Scotland, or take a cross-country train trip, she said.

Mary J. Murry took the second place prize of a Pontiac G6 or $15,000 in cash.

Murry said she almost decided against entering the raffle this year.

"I've been playing is since it started and I haven't won anything," she said.

Hearlihy said this year's raffle was a bigger success than last year's and 30 more prizes were awarded.

Hearlihy also noted that 90 percent of this year's winners were from Springfield and the Miami Valley.

"It was a success all the way around," Hearlihy said Thursday, May 8.

Sales from the raffle raised more than $100,000, which will be presented to several area organizations, including the Springfield Lions Club and the Catholic Central Foundation.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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