$550,000 Luxury Home Offered as First Prize in Contest to Benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic

$550,000 Luxury Home Offered as First Prize in Contest to Benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic

Business Wire - July 6, 1999

(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--Priced at $99.00, a 6 bedroom luxury Victorian Cape Cod set in the rolling foothills of the Allegheny Mountains southwest of Washington, D.C. will be signed over to the lucky winner of an international contest sponsored by the home's current owner.

A substantial portion of the proceeds will be offered to Whitman-Walker Clinic to support the on-going battle against HIV and AIDS.

"This is no raffle with the winner relying on luck," said Sandra Paul, Acting Director of Development for Whitman-Walker Clinic. "The winner will chosen by the current owner after submitting the required $99.00 entry fee, and an essay of 75 words or less. So we advise entrants to pick their words carefully. They're worth at least $7,333 a piece."

The home's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to sell her home and provide funding for an organization helping those living with HIV and AIDS.

Having read about the success of similar contests across the country, she decided to set up the legal framework to allow her home to be offered. The Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia confirmed that offering the home by means of a "talent contest" was legal in a ruling in June of 1996.

"The contest is a way I can share the proceeds of the sale of the home I love with an organization that provides vital services to those who really need help," said the home's owner. "And, I can rest assured that my home will be cared for by someone who really wants to live here and may not be able to afford to buy it outright."

Second prize in the contest is a diamond, emerald and pearl necklace, appraised at $9,300, plus $5,000 in cash, while the third place winner receives $5,000 in cash.

"This is a win-win-win situation for Whitman-Walker Clinic, the winners of the contest, and the homeowner," Paul said. "And if this contest goes smoothly, the donor has generously agreed to the same kind of arrangement with other properties she owns."

The home offered in this contest was built in 1919, and is surrounded by million-dollar estates. It's located on Route 220 in Bath County, Hot Springs, VA, on 1.8 acres of lawns and gardens and has the famous breathtaking view of Dun's Gap, known for beautiful sunsets!

The area is abundant with sporting activities, that include three golf courses (including the internationally-known Upper Cascades course), tennis courts, skeet and sporting clays shooting, 100 miles of horseback riding trails, skiing and ice skating, trout stocked mountain streams and the world-famous Homestead Hotel.

The 5,000-square-foot home features a paneled kitchen/family room with magnificent 23-foot ceilings and an impressive slate fireplace. All other ceilings are nine feet and hardwood floors predominate throughout the mansion.

At least five of the rooms can be used as bedrooms, studies, office or den. A large marble fireplace defines a spacious living room. And, there is an enormous 123-feet-long brick terrace facing Dun's Gap and the Allegheny Mountains (only 15 miles away!) with entrances from the living room, TV room, master bedroom suite, and kitchen to the terrace. The master bedroom has a whirlpool tub.

There are also three full baths and two powder rooms. The new wing has a large three-car garage accessible from inside the house. All systems are new or upgraded.

A Lennox efficiency gas fired furnace with a new 500-gallon fuel tank was also installed. Sixty-feet walnut trees border a five-inch thick stone-walled front courtyard and huge hemlocks guard a secret garden. There are many large boxwood, trees and rock gardens as well.

Those wishing to enter the contest should send their essay of 75 words or less, together with a $99.00 check, certified check or postal money order in U.S. funds made payable to: WWC/HSH House Contest, General Delivery, Hot Springs, VA 24445.

For a complete set of rules and additional information, please call 800/941-3323 or visit the contest web site at www.housecontest.com.

--30--DS/ph

CONTACT: Whitman-Walker Clinic Michael Cover, 202/797-3590
990706
BW990704

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