MERIDIAN —
Friday the 13th has turned out to be a very lucky day for Darlene Harrison.
On that day in January, the Lauderdale County resident learned she'd won $25,000.
"I was pleasantly surprised that I had won – and I did nothing, other than used my (credit) card," said Harrison, who qualified for the prize when she made a $35 purchase on her Discover card at Sam's Club Gas Station in Meridian in October.
The day also proved fortunate for Southeast Lauderdale High School, which was chosen by Harrison to receive a matching $25,000 donation. When Southeast Lauderdale Principal Dewane Taylor learned of the gift, he did not believe it.
"I was attending a conference in Mobile, Ala., and my assistant principal Mrs. (Jan) Smith called and told me about it," he said. "I said, 'Yeah, right. I don't believe it, someone's pulling your leg.'"
Harrison's win is by way of the Discover Everyday Giveaway. Every purchase made throughout the year with a Discover card is automatically entered for a chance to win one of 150 daily prizes and a monthly prize of $25,000. For every $25,000 monthly winner, Discover matches the prize with a donation to a public school of the winner’s choice.
“We believe supporting education is critical,” said Gayle Prete, director of portfolio marketing at Discover. “We know consumers will appreciate not only the great prizes we’re offering with this sweepstakes, but also the chance to make a difference at public schools across the country.”
Harrison is a member of Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club, a community service organization dedicated to serving individual and community needs, with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities. She said she hopes Southeast Lauderdale High School will use a portion of the funds toward their Special Education department.
"Our club has donated supplies and various items to Southeast's Special Education department in the past. I just thought I'd follow up; they could use the money," Harrison said. "The other schools are a little more affluent and I just feel that Southeast could use the money.
Taylor, who expresses appreciation to Harrison and Discover for the donation, said some of the funding will be used toward Southeast's Special Education classes.
"We have so many needs here; I promise that we will use the money wisely," he said.
Harrison said she and her husband, John, have no definite plans for their $25,000 prize.
"For now, we're just going to put it away for a rainy day," she said.
Local News
Related Photos
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Darlene Harrison became $25,000 richer after using her Discover card at a Sam's Club Gas Station in Meridian. Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
Discussion
Darlene Harrison has 25,000 reasons to love Friday the 13th
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