A Bucks Co. Nurse Is Celebrating A Big Win: Find Out Why

NEWTOWN, PA — April 25th proved to be a lucky night for a nurse case manager at St. Mary Medical Center.

Mary Augustine of Warrington won Pickering Manor's 12th Annual Car Raffle and her choice of one of four brand new cars from Peruzzi Auto Group or $25,000 in cash.

Mary wasn’t present at the drawing, but she received the surprise of a lifetime when a co-worker called to share the news.

“I was in total shock,” Mary said. “I had just gotten home from work and had no idea I’d won until she called. I quickly tuned in to watch the livestream and couldn’t believe it.”

Mary chose the $25,000 cash prize, which she plans to put toward a new car. “Honestly, I saw the ticket as part of my annual charitable giving,” she explained. “It felt like a win either way — whether I won or not, the money was going to a nonprofit doing good work.”

Mary also shared how, through her work at St. Mary, she’s come to know several Pickering Manor residents over the years. “Every single one of them speaks so highly of Pickering,” she said. “They love it there, and now I understand why.”

Second place went to Stephanie Garrity of Holland, who won a $1,000 Visa gift card. A three-time raffle supporter, Stephanie wasn’t able to attend the event in person but watched the excitement unfold via livestream.

The winning tickets were pulled during Pickering's 12th Annual Car Raffle cocktail reception, which drew a cheerful - and very hopeful - crowd, especially given that just 600 tickets were sold, increasing the odds of winning.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant cocktail reception filled with delicious food, flowing drinks, and a buzz of excitement leading up to the drawing as everyone dreamed of being the big winner of the night.

The evening began with a warm welcome from David Woodhead, CEO of Pickering Manor, who shared updates on expanding programs and thanked the crowd for their steadfast support.

“This event is one of the most joyful celebrations we host all year,” Woodhead said. “Every ticket sold directly impacts the lives of the residents we serve.”

The highlight of the night came when Pickering Manor resident Larry Briesky took center stage to give the raffle drum a good spin before drawing the two winning tickets.

A devoted Phillies fan and long-time Pickering resident who once lived in the Pickering Cottages and now calls Personal Care home, Larry perfectly embodies the full continuum of care the community offers. “We couldn’t think of anyone better to help us make someone’s night,” Woodhead added with a smile.

Woodhead said Pickering Manor extends sincere thanks to all ticket holders and this year’s event sponsors: The First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown, Peruzzi Auto Group, and Serenity Hospice. And a special thank you to Sparkle Car Wash.

“This annual raffle is more than just a fundraiser,” Woodhead said. “It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and the compassionate spirit that defines Pickering Manor.”

For more information about Pickering Manor or ways to support future events, visit
www.pickeringmanor.org or contact Maureen Kuhar, Director of Development, at 215.968.3878 or mkuhar@pickeringmanor.org.