New Year’s Eve 2023 became unforgettable for Margaret Schwarz, not because of fireworks or festivities, but rather because of one important phone call.
Richard Speedy, president of the Rotary Club of Mooroopna, called Ms Schwarz to declare her the winner of the Rotary Community Car Raffle.
“I said, you’ve got to be joking! It’s the last thing you’d expect,” she said.
“Rotary’s an amazing club, they do so much good – that’s why I always buy a ticket.
“Honestly, it was overwhelming but very exciting and a little bit unreal.”
It was a record-breaking year for the annual car raffle, with earnings never before seen in its 40-year history.
A total of $92,000 was raised for charity, which is $8000 more than last year’s total of $84,000.
Mr Speedy said the money raised would be shared among the club and 28 others.
“We raise a certain amount for our club, and in this case, that’s $45,000,” he said.
“Our club supports GV Hospice, FoodShare, St Vincent’s, school scholarships, and we put a lot of money into emergency relief.
“The other 28 clubs (Rotary clubs and other organisations like Lions and Kiwanis) that sold tickets have $47,000 to share between them.
“It’s amazing how this one car raffle can make a difference in 28 communities.”
And it’s certainly made a difference in the winner’s lives.
On Wednesday, January 17, Ms Schwarz, her husband Mark Schwarz, and granddaughter Olivia Nevill arrived at Thompson Kia in Shepparton, where the glistening brand new Kia Stonic Sport greeted them.
The family was brimming with travel plans, perhaps to visit their granddaughter in Canberra.
But they were more eager to get the wheels in motion and cruise around Shepparton.
As Ms Schwarz was handed the keys to the dream machine, she said it’s “still a bit unreal, to be honest!”