Prize Patrol On The Road For PCH 25th Anniversary Prize!
As you know, 2013 is a historic year for PCH. It is a year of anniversaries! Not only is it the 60th anniversary of the company’s founding, it is ALSO the 25th anniversary of the Prize Patrol! Yep, 25 years ago this summer, the Prize Patrol made their first trip to surprise a sweepstakes winner. Todd Sloane and Dave Sayer thought that surprising unsuspecting sweepstakes winners would result in better, more authentic, footage for TV commercials.
And well, as they say, the rest is history! PCH has been sending blue-blazered crews across the country for years to deliver Big Checks, as well as countless balloons and bouquets of flowers.
We’re celebrating the occasion the only way we know how – by giving away money and sending our beloved Prize Patrol on the road again. TODAY another lucky winner receives a visit from the Prize Patrol with a check for $10,000!
I recently caught up with Dave Sayer, a Prize Patrol member from the beginning, to reflect on the last 25 years.
Laura: It’s the 25th anniversary of the first Prize Patrol award. If you could sum up your entire Prize Patrol experience in one word, what would it be?
Dave: Blessings!
Laura: Tell us about your favorite Prize Patrol memory.
Dave: That’ s like asking me which of my children is my favorite. Impossible. But our million dollar visit to Father Mike Berner in Earling, Iowa was particularly memorable because Joan Lunden and her “Behind Closed Doors” crew was with us PLUS our own large crew. The award created tremendous excitement in the small town and its church. And then Fr. Mike was such a fun personality – he was brought to NY to appear on David Letterman and Rosie O’Donnell’s talk shows.
Laura: Do you still keep in touch with past winners? Any interesting updates that you can share?
Dave: I have kept in touch with many, many winners through phone calls, cards, and occasional reunions – including Fr. Mike and winners of thousands and millions of dollars. I learn about family events – like kids growing up, graduations, and marriages. And since I’ve known all the major winners of the past 30+ years, I sadly learn of some passings. Regardless of what life brings, all our winner friends consider the Prize Patrol visits and “winning moments” as truly never-to-be-forgotten highlights.
Laura: What are you most looking forward to for the Prize Patrol/PCH?
Dave: I’m always looking forward to the next “winning moment.” Where will it be? How will the winner react? It may not be possible but it sure would be great to deliver a Big Check to every PCHblog reader out there!
There you have it folks! Dave and I are currently on the road for the PCH 25th Anniversary Prize, adding someone else to our growing winner family. Make sure you visit Todd Sloane’s Prize Patrol Fan Page for hints and clues about today’s winner. Who knows, it could be you!
Laura W.
Promotion Development
P.S. The Monkey Gems Game Tournament at PCHGames is approaching! Want to walk away a winner? Well on today’s Play&Win blog, we have a video from Matt K. showing you how to play! Be sure to check it out.
