My Dad was a Baptist minister, so it wasn't surprising that I received a lot of one-on-one sermons when I first started sweeping. The one I heard most often was "you can't get something for nothing". But after years of watching Robert and I win consistently he finally changed his tune. Actually it was my sister, Connie, who won him over. She was a part-time sweeper who only entered a sweepstakes when I told her "this is a really good one"! In this case, a local grocery store was having a grand opening and giving away a car. They drew 100 finalists for a keyturn and I was not one of them. But Connie ended up in the number 52 slot and her key started that car. After that Dad asked me, "what do I need to do to get started?"

I set him up with sweepstaking supplies and taught him all the basics I had spent years learning myself. It wasn't long before the prizes were rolling in. He won tickets to sporting events and concerts, gift cards and the usual sweepers surplus of t-shirts and ball caps. He was proud of them all, no matter how small the win and he announced every win from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. I have to admit, I was a bit shocked the first few times I heard the announcements to the entire congregation. But his people loved him and were excited for him each and every time. Then the day came that I got a call from Dad telling me he had received his first affidavit. He was the Grand Prize winner in a promotion from Wendy's Hamburgers and had won an all-inclusive trip for four to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. At the time, the Southern Baptish Convention was boycotting Disney World, but that didn't bother Dad. Once again he made an official announcement to his congregation that he was going to Disney World!

Dad and Mom invited some friends to go with them, another Baptist preacher and his wife. They stayed at the Grand Floridian and the prize package included meals at the best restaurants with no limits on the amount they could spend. According to my Mom, Dad and Lloyd felt obligated to top the previous night's bill each time they went to dinner. They would browse the menu and order the most expensive items on it. It was a dream trip for Dad and his inner child definitely came out to play. He especially enjoyed being the Grand Marshall in the Disney World parade. (See photos below)

Over the next few years Dad won two other trips, both to Disney World and he had a blast each time he went. He also won a big screen TV and several computers. Then in September 1999 Dad passed away. He had only been entering sweepstakes for 4-5 years at the time of his death, but it made me feel really good to know the joy it brought him in those last few years of his life.To this day I have never seen anyone get as excited as he did over the prizes he won. Six months after his death Mom received an affidavit addressed to him. He had won a John Deere riding lawn mower. The sponsor allowed Mom to claim the prize and she donated it to the church. He would have been so proud of that prize, just as I am proud to say that I had the best Dad in the world. He was always a Big Winner to me!

Happy Father's Day!

Gwen Beauchamp

Grand Marshall of the Disney World Parade on the Roger Rabbit float!

Lloyd & Inez Taylor with Helen & Bill Temple

Dr. William F. Temple and his wife, Helen - My Mom and Dad!