Vaccinate Vermillion Sweepstakes

VACCINATE VERMILLION SWEEPSTAKES GIVES RESIDENTS A SHOT AT BIG PRIZES

The City of Vermillion’s unique approach to fi ghting COVID-19 not only intended to keep the community safe, but support the local economy at the same time.

The Vaccinate Vermillion Sweepstakes launched in August, thanks to a partnership between the City of Vermillion and United Way of Vermillion. Through the sweepstakes, county residents who got their COVID-19 vaccine could enter for several chances to win $2,500 or more in Vermillion Bucks.

“We know that high vaccination rates can help us keep case numbers and hospitalizations low, which is good for the individual being vaccinated, protects kiddos and others who can’t be vaccinated, and helps our businesses by improving consumer confi dence,” said Vermillion Mayor and United Way Executive Director Kelsey Collier-Wise. “Councilmembers Steve Ward and Julia Helleweg thought an incentive program might be effective, and both the Council and the United Way board jumped at the chance to do something proactive.”

Being proactive defi nitely paid off for the program. Vaccination clinics during the sweepstakes were wellattended, local press covered the announcement of each drawing’s winner, and the sweepstakes enjoyed a healthy social media presence. Local businesses participated by promoting nearby vaccination clinics and offering product discounts to participants.

The response to the sweepstakes was high. The program saw more than 1,600 total entries, with over 500 people entering in the fi rst week alone.

The sweepstakes was open to anyone living in Clay County who had received at least one dose of vaccine, even if they received it before the start of the sweepstakes. Individuals could enter online, via phone, text, email, or by using a QR code located on fl yers throughout the city. Once entered, participants’ names stayed in the drawing pool throughout the sweepstakes.

The city awarded a total of $60,000 in Vermillion Bucks to 22 winners. Two drawings for $2,500 each were held weekly for 10 weeks. In addition, two random drawings for $5,000 were held throughout the course of the sweepstakes, which ran Aug. 27-Oct. 29.

Drawing winners received their prizes in the form of Vermillion Bucks, which are issued by the Vermillion Chamber and Development Company. Vermillion Bucks act just like cash at participating local businesses. Since they can only be spent locally, the sweepstakes winnings will also benefi t the community by staying in the local economy.

Which seems to be a good deal, according to participants.

As Erin Burrow, winner of $2,500 Vermillion Bucks in the Sept. 3 drawing put it: “That’s 166 loaves of yogurt cake from Red Wagon Bread!” ■

Erin Burrow (assited by a young friend) recieves $2,500 in Vermillion Bucks from Mayor Kelsey CollierWise. Burrow was one of 22 winners in the VACCINATE VERMILLION SWEEPSTAKES, a promotion which uniquely combined the goals of encouraging residents to get vaccinated and to shop local.