A Big PCH Winner Shares Her SuperPrize Experience!

PCH Staff
1:29 am | 149 Comments »

Today is the BIG DAY! I hope you’re following the Prize Patrol to see who we surprise. The big award days always take me back to my own “BIG DAY” – August 27^th, 2008.

I have to tell you, it was pretty hectic for me that morning. Maybe because I knew that someone would win at least $1 Million from Publishers Clearing House that day. I remember running around our trailer, tidying up and vacuuming. Yes, I cleaned! That’s one of the things many PCH fans tell me that they do when they know the Prize Patrol is on the move.

After my cleaning whirlwind, I had to get ready to go to work. Granted, I had the excitement butterflies in my tummy that morning, but I knew if I really DID win, the Prize Patrol would find me. Unfortunately, I ran into a “fashion crisis” as my friends and I say. Hah! Tim Gunn, where were you when I needed you?! For some reason, despite my cleaning efforts, I was running low on work appropriate clothing. I grabbed a blue and black sweater and black slacks. No time for make-up or contact lenses, as I was running a little late. I mentally kicked myself. What if they really DID show up? I thought. They always show the winners and their reactions. Eh… no time to think on that.

So I hopped in my trusty Vibe named “Flash” and headed out to work. Hours later, my boss called to check in on the day as he was out. Just as I was filling him in on the day, I happened to look up and out our window. No. Way.  It really does happen!

The blue blazers, the roses, the balloons, the cameras… and that Big Check! Those butterflies were having butterflies…and I didn’t have an ounce of makeup on. However, I didn’t really dwell or care about that! This was a moment that I had to experience right then and there! To experience my moment, head on over to PCHTV.com.

I have to tell you, I always tried to run in my head what I’d say or do if the Prize Patrol showed up on my doorstep one day. However all of that prep work pretty much went out the door. You’ll definitely see that when you watch the video and see what happens when Dave reveals how much I won!

What about you? Do you have a game plan in mind today just for fun, in case it might be you? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook:  Natalie B at PCH and on Twitter:  @Natalieatpch – I’ll be giving updates and clues as to where we are!
GOOD LUCK!

Natalie Bostelman

2008 SuperPrize Winner

PCH Goodwill Ambassador

P.S. You can also keep tabs on the Prize Patrol by watching the main PCH Fan Page and Danielle Lam’s Fan Page. Keep an eye out for clues about the state, weather, and even some behind-the-scenes videos!

Tomorrow Isn’t a Typical Day – It’s PCH SuperPrize Day!

PCH Staff
1:23 am | 145 Comments »

Hi all! Happy Tuesday! What’s going on with everyone? I hope you’re enjoying the end of your February. I know I’m ready for March – spring is on its way (not that we had much of a winter here…) and I have lots of fun things planned with friends and family.

Let’s see… is there anything going on with Publishers Clearing House lately? Well, as you know, there are instant prizes being awarded every day on PCHSearch&Win. On Thursday, there’s a PCHlotto Live Event at 3 PM EST.

What’s that? What’s tomorrow? Leap Day, right? Only happens once every four years – how exciting!

Wait… am I forgetting something? Oh… right!

TOMORROW IS THE FEBRUARY 29^TH SUPERPRIZE EVENT – A SPECIAL EARLY LOOK FOR $1,000,000.00 A YEAR FOR LIFE WINNER WITH A GUARANTEED PRIZE OF $1,000,000.00!

The Prize Patrol will be on the road, cruising around the country, racing to surprise the newest PCH millionaire with a Big Check! Where are Dave Sayer, Todd Sloane, and Danielle Lam heading? Which state, which city, which house?

If you want in on the exciting PCH Prize Patrol action, we’ve got you covered! Tomorrow, be sure to check out the PCH Fan Page and Danielle Lam’s Fan Page for exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, hints, and tidbits. Unlike previous SuperPrize events, the Prize Patrol videos will now be located in one central spot – the Winning Moments tab on the PCH Fan Page. Make sure to check back multiple times – the tab will be updated with more videos as the day goes on! On Danielle Lam’s page, she will provide special hints and clues. Put it all together and maybe you’ll be able to figure exactly where the Prize Patrol is heading.

Once the winner is surprised, the PCH Fan Page will proudly announce the winner’s name and post the winning moment video of the new millionaire. And, as always, the same video will be posted on PCHTV.com for your viewing pleasure even after tomorrow.

How are you planning to spend your day tomorrow? Whatever your plan is – cooking a meal for the Prize Patrol, looking out your windows every five minutes, dressing your best in case you open your door to find a camera in your face – don’t forget to check out the PCH Fan Page and Danielle Lam’s page.

Is your name on the Big Check?

A Behind The Scenes Look At How Big Checks Are Made!

Amanda C.
12:29 am | 44 Comments »

On Friday, you went behind the scenes to meet the Big Check guy, Michael Carrozzo. But what you didn’t hear yet is how he gets the job done. Check out the video below to see him in action, then read on for a step-by-step guide of how the Big Checks come to be!

Amanda: So does the magic happen here? Are the Big Checks made at PCH Headquarters?

Michael: Yes, it’s all been done here at PCH for over 10 years now! When I first started making the Big Checks, “in the old days” over 20 years ago, we had to use an outside vendor because we didn’t have a printer big enough here at sweepstakes headquarters in Port Washington. But now we do, and I love doing them here. It helps keep the Sweepstakes winner identity “top secret”.

Amanda: Give me the complete rundown. What’s the first step in making the Big Check?

Michael: Ordering the supplies! For every check you need a white foam board, plus special, extra-large printing paper with an adhesive back.

Amanda: Then what?

Michael: Then I update the check on the computer by filling in the prize amount and the winner’s name.

Amanda: So what did you fill in for the February 29^th SuperPrize?

Michael: Nice try! You’ll have to wait to find out like everyone else who the winner will be and whether it will be written for $1 Million A Year For Life or the second chance amount of  $1,000,000.00 if an eligible matching winning number is not returned.

Amanda: OK, fine! But keep going with the behind the scenes info. What’s next?

Michael: The printing and mounting! Once the check is printed on the special paper with adhesive back, I peel and mount it to the white board.

Amanda: Do you work alone?

Michael: No, since it’s so large, it’s difficult to handle alone so I enlist a helper for laying down the label. But you can be sure he’s sworn-to-secrecy!

Amanda: Top secret, I love it! What’s next?

Michael: The cutting! Once it’s mounted, I trim it to Big Check size. And of course, no check would be complete without Deborah Holland’s signature!

Amanda: How long does the whole Big Check process take?

Michael: No more than 30 minutes — but I like to think the happiness lasts a lifetime!

Amanda: Thanks for the top secret behind the scenes info! Now that we’re friends, do you think you can get Big Checks for me?

Michael: C’mon! I already told you… they’re for the Sweepstakes winner only!

There you have it folks! A complete behind the scenes look at how it’s done! All this Big Check talk makes me even more excited to see it on February 29^th! Whose name will be on it? And will it be written for $1 Million A Year For Life or $1 Million? All will be revealed in just 2 days! Until then, you can enter to win lots of other prizes at pch.com!

Amanda C.
PCH Creative

Behind The Scenes With The Prize Patrol Member You Don’t See

Amanda C.
12:28 am | 66 Comments »

Michael Carrozzo. It’s not a name you know like Dave Sayer, Todd Sloane, or Danielle Lam, but that’s about to change. We’re giving you a behind the scenes look at the man responsible for one of the most important parts of the Prize Patrol winning moment: the Big Check. Here’s my exclusive interview with him.

Amanda: So who is Michael Carrozzo?

Michael: I’m the Big Check guy. The secret “member” of the Prize Patrol.  Like the “fifth Beatle”. But I’m tired of being behind the scenes, it’s about time PCH fans got to know — and love — me!

Amanda: Do people always tell you that you have the coolest job in the world?

Michael: Yes, because I really do! And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked for Big Checks. Sorry guys, they’re for our SuperPrize winners only!

Amanda: But you have another important job here at PCH…

Michael: That’s right, I’m the Production Studio Manager. That means I’m in charge of making sure the art files for the packages we send out in the mail release to the printers on time and correctly.

Amanda: How many years have you been at PCH?

Michael: Do I really have to say? This month was my 32^nd (gasp!) anniversary! I started in Grammar School! LOL!

Amanda: Wow, congratulations! Now back to the good stuff: your Big Check duties. How long have you been making the Big Checks behind the scenes?

Michael: Over 20 years!

Amanda: And how many have you made in that time?

Michael: It has to be hundreds…no thousands! I make them for the big SuperPrize, and the smaller prizes too.

Amanda: Tell me…are the checks for the really big prizes more fun?

Michael: All checks are equal to me!

Amanda: Really? You’re telling me the bigger prizes don’t have a slight edge?

Michael: Okay, okay, of course they do!

Amanda: So for the February 29^th prize, are you crossing your fingers that you’ll get to write in “$1 Million A Year For Life” on the Big Check? As you know, our upcoming prize award event is a special early look, so if an eligible matching winning number is not returned, we will hold a second chance random drawing and the Prize Patrol will award a $1 Million SuperPrize instead.

Michael: I can’t believe that some people throw out their SuperPrize Numbers, but it has happened before.  If an eligible, matching winning number is not returned, I’ll be prepared to write $1 Million instead of $1 Million A Year For Life.  My fingers are crossed on both hands because, I know, whatever the amount, it’s a life-changing prize and the Big Check will make someone very happy!

Amanda: How soon in advance of the delivery will you find out the prize amount…and the winner’s name?

Michael: Usually only a day or two before! I still don’t know who — or how much — it’s going to be for the February 29th SuperPrize!

Amanda: Besides the Big Check, what other Prize Patrol props are you in charge of?

Michael: The van signs, champagne labels, and tags for the Prize Patrol’s luggage. Just about everything!

So fans, did you enjoy going behind the scenes with our secret Prize Patrol “member,” Michael? Well that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Michael has loads more to share, including how he makes the Big Checks, and I’m sharing it with you right here on Monday. It’s definitely worth “checking” out!

Amanda C.
PCH Creative