Even after seemingly all winners had been called, Sandra Brown held onto hope that she would take home a bed set.
“I prayed about that bed,” she said. “I really need a bed.”
Brown was the eighth and final winner of Beyond 4 Walls’ bed set giveaway Friday night. Beyond 4 Walls is a Gary-based church that annually works with Ashley Furniture and local sponsors to give away bed sets to community members.
People could pick up free tickets at nine businesses in Gary, Portage and East Chicago through noon Friday. Winners had to be present at Beyond 4 Walls’ drawing and bring identification, proof of residency and their current utility bill.
Beyond 4 Walls originally was going to give away six beds, but two were added at the drawing. One was eligible for church members only, which is the bed Brown won.
“I felt like I just won a million dollars,” Brown said. “That’s how grateful I am. I’m grateful to my pastors, who are true givers.”
Beyond 4 Walls Pastors Maurice White and Elisia White started doing the giveaway after Maurice noticed a need in the community, Elisia White said. She couldn’t remember how many years it’s been done but said it returned after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The church includes a bed frame, mattress, headboard and dresser set in the giveaway.
“People are struggling in different areas,” Elisia White said. “So we try to meet whatever needs that we know, and we try to do something about it.”
Elisia White didn’t know the exact number of participants but said hundreds of people entered the giveaway.
Although the Whites don’t like to see people struggling, Elisia White said it’s nice to know that they’re helping, especially during the holiday season.
“If we all come together, we can help the needs of the people around us,” she said.
Maurice White thanked everyone who helped and attended the drawing, including public officials such as Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and Councilwomen Lori Latham, D-1st, and Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th.
“It takes an entire team to make this happen,” Melton said before drawing names. “It’s not just one person, it’s not just one official. It’s not about the title, it’s about the passion that you have for your community.”
Melton drew Kernitra Goodson’s name during the giveaway. Goodson plans to give the bed she won to her son, who recently moved on his own.
Goodson heard about the giveaway from a nurse at her doctor’s office and said she was running late to the drawing. Afterward, Goodson said she was happy to make it.
“I just threw on a hat and put some earrings in and thought I’d be fine,” Goodson said. “I truly wasn’t expecting anything. It feels amazing though, I’m blessed beyond measure.”
