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NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – In an exciting event on Thursday evening, the Dr. Mac Bowman Horizon Foundation, in collaboration with Murphy Auto Group, made one individual’s dream come true by awarding them a brand new car.
For several weeks, hopeful participants eagerly purchased raffle tickets, each dreaming of driving off in a sleek 2025 Toyota Crowne. The anticipation was palpable as more than a thousand individuals invested $100 per ticket, all vying for the chance to own the impressive prize, which boasts a value exceeding $55,000.
The majority of the funds raised through this initiative are dedicated to supporting the noble causes championed by the Horizon Foundation. Dr. Mac Bowman, the visionary behind the foundation, articulated the organization’s mission succinctly, stating, “Our primary purpose is service. We look for opportunities to make a difference where a difference needs to be made.”
More than one thousand people bought raffle tickets at $100 each for a chance to win the prize valued at more than $55,000. Most of the proceeds support the Horizon Foundation.
“Our primary purpose is service. We look for opportunities to make a difference where difference needs to be made,” explained Dr. Mac Bowman, Founder of the Horizon Foundation.
$25,000 from the sales of the raffle tickets will be donated to Rise Augusta. It’s a non-profit that supports nearly 5,000 at risk students in Richmond County.
“They help with items in the school system to do with embellishing the function of students, circumstances in which students function, things to improve educational outcomes,” said Dr. Bowman.
It’s the 8th car the Horizon Foundation has given away and the second with Murphy Auto Group and it’s CEO.
“He’s into the community. He wants to give back. He likes to give back. One thing, he loves Paine College and he likes to give back to Paine. And he likes what we do. All the money that we raise, we give right back here in the CSRA,” said De Pierce, CEO of the Horizon Foundation.
Pierce said one of his favorite parts of the car giveaway is the reactions from the winners.
“Excitement. Truly excitement. I remember the first time we gave the car away–Mr. Bowen. He was in church and he hung up the phone and we called him back and it was live on television and stopped playing. Then he then he said, ‘What are you saying now?’” he said.
For hours, Dr. Bowman and his team drew tickets to eliminate raffle tickets, until they got to the final five. Then they drew four more names until just one remained.
This year’s winner is Nancy Wates from Edgefield. She told NewsChannel 6 she is thrilled to learn she won the car.
“It was truly amazing and it was truly, I feel like just a god thing. I just had that feeling from him and I’m just so appreciative of Dr. Bowman and all that he does.”
Wates said that her current car has more than 200,000 miles on it, so now is the perfect time to win a brand new car.
Throughout the day representatives from Piedmont Hospital were on hand to provide free health screening
A new partner Southern Pickleball Academy had a travel pickleball court that people could have some fun with.
The four finalists that did not win the car won’t go away empty handed. Sol Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa is providing them with a 60 minute massage and a 30 minute VEMI session.
Photojournalist: Reggie Mckie.