Game Guy plays announcer at the Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
Game Guy really is game for anything. This festival takes place annually and gives 22 teams the chance to compete against each other on the James River. This year, Game Guy had the opportunity to announce the action at the event.
Many of you may be wondering this sport is all about. Even Game Guy and his Gameologist had to do a little research first. A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft whose roots can be traced back to ancient China. Racing dragon boats has emerged, in modern times, as an international sport. It operates like a crew team, but also includes a drummer who sits at the front and produces what is considered the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat.
The Lottery and Brand Ambassadors gave racers and spectators the chance to play some cornhole and spin our prize wheel. Needless to say, the racers we’re definitely game for our beach towels.
Sound like fun? Game Guy saw many local businesses and organizations paddling on a team together just for fun! Next year, he hopes the Lottery will make a team he can lead to victory!
published to Lottery intranet 8/14/13
Brand Ambassadors pump up the energy at Lottery events
Let the games begin! The summer event season is in full swing. Our freshly branded Virginia Lottery booth has been generating a buzz at events such as the Patriotic Festival and the Pork Festival.
Have you spotted us on the road or at an event? It’s hard to miss our “we’re game” spirit. With unified signage, our brand color palette, and eye-catching banners, we’re ready to take on any event.
We also welcomed some fresh faces. Our Brand Ambassadors have hit the ground running to promote games at events. These high-energy team players aim to engage passersby in games such as corn hole, Ping-Pong, Frisbee and beach ball games.
The Brand Ambassadors were recruited from Virginia colleges and universities to reflect our brand’s high-energy, fun-loving spirit. They have also been trained in the new brand. Look for them in the bright “we’re game” attire.
After sparking some interest in the crowds, Brand Ambassadors can point people in the right direction to buy tickets or to get more of a taste of our new brand at the Lottery booth and trailer.
“We’re delighted to have these Ambassadors at our events,” said Jill Vaughan. “They help bring the brand to life, especially for Virginians who are least familiar with us. They’re a tremendous asset to our already strong event presence.”
published to Lottery intranet 7/26/13
Speak Up: Commuter Choice program
A question recently came in through Speak Up: “I think an article needs to be written about how the state pays for the first $115 of public transportation per month, how awesome it is, how much you save on expenses per month, etc.”
Thanks for the suggestion, Robert Davidson! Robert’s referring to the Commonwealth Commuter Choice program. Here are the facts:
· This program began when the Governor signed an Executive Order in 2000 to help combat air pollution and traffic issues in the mandated area of Northern Virginia.
· Participation outside of the mandated area is optional. (The Lottery participates!)
· At the Lottery, all full-time employees are eligible.
· This benefit covers the cost of commuting by public transport or vanpool up to $115 a month.
Robert Davidson, Mike Young and Rachel Buhse are just a few examples of those who take advantage of this every day!
Robert, a rookie to the program, has been riding the bus from Midlothian to Headquarters for less than a year. He said, “My favorite part is the amount of money that I’m not spending on a monthly basis to get to and from work. I’m nowhere close to what I was spending before on gas, tolls, wear and tear on my SUV and parking.”
Mike loves the community aspect of public transportation. He’s met many friends since he started riding the bus in 2007. He said, “We share valuable information during the commute, from recipes, to where to get the best goods and services in our community. We have helped some of our college students find jobs… I think the bus helps to build stronger communities.”
Switching to public transportation is a game changer! Questions and concerns are normal. One of Rachel’s biggest concerns was the lack of flexibility. Buses have several pick-up and drop-off times in the morning and afternoon, but with a vanpool there’s only one time in the morning and one in the afternoon. Thankfully, RideFinders offers an Emergency Ride Home program. Rachel said, “It’s great because I was able to get to Lillie one day when the daycare called to tell me she was sick. They just sent a taxi to pick me up, and I filled out the voucher they provided—very simple!”
To view all GRTC schedules and routes, click here. For more information about ridesharing and vanpools, visit RideFinder’s site here. Reach out to Penny Reed (2-7636 or preed@valottery.com) if you’d like 2-day trial pass for the bus. She’s also happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please note: some GRTC buses may be affected by the cycling events coming to Richmond. Current and future bus riders, please click here for information about the temporary transfer plaza and how your route will be impacted.
published to Lottery intranet 3/6/14
Landscaper cleans up with $100,000 winning ticket from the Virginia Lottery
Roger Houchens III went to the Lucky’s of Scottsville to cash a $15 winning ticket and buy a few more, one of which landed him $100,000. He purchased three $5 Jewel 7’s tickets with his initial winnings. The last one he scratched revealed his top-prize win.
“It hasn’t hit me yet,” Mr. Houchens told Lottery officials as he claimed his prize.
Mr. Houchens, who works in landscaping, recalled revealing the $100,000 prize near the top of the ticket and feeling too shocked to continue scratching. When he got home, he told his girlfriend about the big win.
“He looked like he was about to pass out,” his girlfriend, Tiffany Harris, told Lottery officials.
Jewel 7’s (game #1328) is one of dozens of Scratcher games available from the Virginia Lottery. Tickets can be Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green, Diamond White or Ruby Red. Mr. Houchens is the 16th winner to claim the $100,000 prize in game #1328, which means all top-prize tickets have been claimed, and the game has closed.
When it comes to education, the Virginia Lottery is game. In fact, it’s the reason we play. We generate more than $1.3 million per day for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. Operating entirely on revenue from the sale of Lottery products, the Virginia Lottery generated more than $487.1 million for Virginia’s public schools in Fiscal Year 2012. For more info, visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and check us out on YouTube. Please play responsibly.
published here to valottery.com on 3/20/14