Graves Gives Gift Of Live, Wins Pickup
Emily Graves of Water Valley was the lucky winner of a new Ram pickup after donating blood during the Mississippi Blood Services “Road To Life 9” campaign this summer. She was among over 14,000 people who donated blood and were eligible to win.
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – On July 21 Emily Graves of Water Valley rolled up her sleeve to give life on the day she was given life, her birthday. Just over a month later she received a late present as winner of a new Ram 1500 Big Horn Edition 4×4 pickup as part Mississippi Blood Services’ (MBS) “Road To Life 9” campaign.
Graves was among over 14,000 blood donors this summer who were entered into the drawing to win the new truck when they donated blood from May 29 through August 18. On August 25 she was among 18 finalists randomly drawn for a chance to come to the Mac Haik Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership in Flowood and pick the winning key.
“I didn’t know it was such a big deal until I got there and saw all of the people,” Graves said about the experience. She remained calm, but admitted that after 10 other finalists’ keys did not start the truck, she was a little nervous.
“At first I thought I was dreaming, it honked and I just stood there,” Graves said about the experience. She was quickly awakened to reality when her mom started celebrating.
Instead of taking the truck, the mother of two decided to sell the truck back to the dealer.
“I have two kids,” she explained, adding that she has put some of the money into savings to help with college tuition. She also plans to do repairs to her house and added that she has not splurged with the money.
Not unless you count the trip to a weekend auction, where she picked up a few knick-knacks.
Graves said she donated at the Mississippi Blood Services donor coach set up in the parking lot at Larson’s Piggly Wiggly. It was only the second time she had donated, both times at the same location, and she credited the friendly staff at Mississippi Blood Services for making it easy.
“I definitely think people should donate, people need blood and you can help save lives,” Graves added.
