After receiving more than 9,000 entries and holding three preliminary drawings, the Nebraska Lottery ended its 100K Giveaway contest by handing out at total of $100,000 at an event during the Nebraska State Fair.
The 15 semifinalists assembled on August 24 to determine their share of the prize money. Each semifinalist was guaranteed to win at least $1,000, with one person taking home the top prize of $40,000.
A series of elimination rounds narrowed the field of contestants down to two: Keith Stewart of Lincoln and a proxy representing Rediet Teferra of Chadron. In the final round, the contestants were presented with 12 identical lockboxes. One box contained a “gold bar” representing the $40,000 prize.
Teferra's proxy took the first turn selecting a lockbox to open, but it was empty. Stewart then chose a second box, but it too was empty. Then Teferra's proxy opened a third lockbox to reveal the “gold bar” as the audience roared with approval.
During the months of May, June, July, and August, players sent in $8 worth of non-winning Summer Red Scratch tickets for a chance to participate in the 100K Giveaway grand prize event. Three preliminary drawings were held to select the following 15 semifinalists:
Rediet Teferra of Chadron - $40,000
Keith Stewart of Lincoln - $20,000
Michael Otoski of Lincoln - $10,000
Sally Thomas of North Platte - $7,500
Greg Soukup of Lincoln - $5,000
$2,500 (five winners)
Patricia Caporale of Wymore
Daniel Rasmussen of Omaha
Benjamin Hasbrouck of Cozad
Peggy Graham of Ainsworth
Steven Bateman of Papillion
Brian White of Boise, Idaho
John Sutej of Omaha
Kerry Sheeks of Grand Island
Mark Magdaleno of Scottsbluff
Kris Delehant of Norfolk
