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Harley-Davidson Giveaway |
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 CigarFest '06 Photo Gallery |
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One of the many exciting moments of CigarFest '06 was the Harley-Davidson 5 Vegas Ltd. Edition giveaway. This was actually only one of numerous raffle prizes given away throughout the event (benefiting non-profit LifePath). The other prizes were no shrinking violets either! In fact, other raffle prizes included a 5,000-capacity cabinet humidor, numerous boxes of expensive handmades, a $1,000 ST Dupont lighter, an all-expense paid trip to Honduras, gorgeous humidors, ashtrays, and even statues, plus more - most of which were generously donated by the cigar makers. Yet without a doubt, the highlight captivating the audience until the very end of the day was the Harley-Davdison donated by 5 Vegas. Indeed, a brand new, customized Harley-Davidson 1200R destined to go home that day with a new owner.
The scene could not have been scripted any better. As the final raffle commenced, the roar of the Harley's engine filled the room, all eyes fixed on the emcee in the 5 Vegas booth. Hundreds of bodies huddled around the booth in silence while the winning numbers were read. Tension grew as the number was announced....but no one stepped forward to claim it! Who would leave beforehand? When, after 2 minutes of suspense, it became clear that the winner was not present - the crowd erupted. Another chance! A second ticket was then pulled from the box. Just before the final number of the 6 digits on the new ticket was read, a shout from the back interrupted the emcee: one crazy man wishfully belted out, “one!” Sure enough, one it was - the emcee echoed, "one!" and the crowd went haywire. Bryan Rogers of Rhode Island stormed through the crowd, bobbing and weaving his way to the front, running, shouting, laughing, and jumping like a madman along the way. Despite the palpable disappointment of the few hundred non-winning ticketholders, it turned into bedlam on the show floor as the crowd cheered him on. The winner raised his arms in victory, posing for the flashing bulbs. After handing the lucky winner a 5 Vegas Limitada ’06, Bryan sat on the seat of the Harley as the crowd continued cheering for several minutes. What a scene to cap an incredible day! Everyone went home a winner. A big thank you to Tabacalera Perdomo, Rocky Patel, General Cigar, Alec Bradley, Drew Estate, Graycliff, CAO, Oliveros, 5 Vegas, Victor Sinclair, Torano, Camacho, EO Brands, and Gurkha! You helped raise over $10,000. for our non-profit LifePath, an organization dedicated to caring for mentally handicapped adults and children. |
