Lucky Discover Cardmember Wins a Million Dollars on Purchase Made at Local Auto Repair Shop in New Port Richey, Florida
RIVERWOODS, Ill., Feb 10, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Discover(R) today announced the grand prize, million dollar winner of the company's inaugural 2010 "It Pays to Discover Everyday Giveaway" sweepstakes. Lillian Pariseault, of New Port Richey, Fla., was awarded $1 million for a purchase made on her Discover Card at Haller's Automotive, also in New Port Richey.
Pariseault, 86, is retired and lives with her youngest daughter, a special needs adult whom Pariseault has cared for her whole life. Family and friends attended a surprise announcement celebration at Haller's Automotive, where Harit Talwar, President of U.S. Cards for Discover, presented Pariseault with a $1 million check. Pariseault, who was driven by limo to Haller's Automotive, knew she had won a substantial prize but said she thought it would be no more than a thousand dollars.
"Never in my lifetime did I believe this would happen to me," said Pariseault, who could not yet say what she would do with the million dollar prize. "I love Discover Card and have cut up other cards because Discover is my favorite." Pariseault cited Discover's customer service as one of her favorite aspects of the card.
During the national sweepstakes, which launched in January 2010, cardmembers were automatically entered for a chance to win thousands of dollars in daily prizes leading up to the grand prize of $1 million with every purchase they made. Every day throughout the year, 75 winners were chosen to receive a gift card valued between $25 and $500, totaling over 25,000 winners and an additional $1 million in total prize money.
"Discover has a long-standing history of giving back, whether through our award-winning Cashback Bonus program, our charitable initiatives or by helping cardmembers achieve a brighter financial future," said Talwar. "We can't think of a better way to celebrate than by awarding this million dollar grand prize to Lillian, a loyal Discover cardmember for 10 years. The Everyday Giveaway Sweepstakes is a fun and exciting way to engage with our cardmembers and reward them simply for making everyday purchases with Discover cards."
Shawn Lauer, owner of Haller's Automotive, joined in on the celebration. "I'm really glad it was Lillian - she's a great customer and a great person. It's exciting to see everyone celebrate with her and her family."
Following its successful inaugural year, Discover recently announced the 2011 Discover Everyday Giveaway, which includes more prizes, more chances to win, and the opportunity to give back to public schools. In addition to daily prizes, one monthly winner will be chosen randomly to receive $25,000, which Discover will match with a $25,000 donation to a public school of the winner's choosing. In early 2012, one lucky winner will be chosen randomly for the $1 million grand prize in cash.
There is no purchase, transaction or card application necessary to enter or win. For sweepstakes rules, terms and conditions, and the list of participating issuers of Discover cards, please visit www.DiscoverGiveaway.com.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
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SOURCE: Discover Financial Services
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