MANSFIELD — A single raffle ticket turned a quiet morning of chopping firewood into a celebration for Ashland resident Lincoln Dotson.

The United Way of Richland County and Graham Chevrolet pulled Dotson’s name as the winner of a new 2025 Chevrolet Trax during the annual “Win a Chevy” fundraiser.

Dotson answered the call while cutting firewood and quickly drove to the dealership to claim his prize.

(Dan Varn, Executive Director of United Way calls Lincoln Dotson announcing him as the 2025 Chevy Trax winner. Credit: Hannah Martin)

One phone call changes everything

The fundraiser kicked off Sept. 30 at the dealership on West Fourth Street, where organizers unveiled the 2025 Chevy Trax and opened ticket sales.

Tickets were $30 each or five for $100, and organizers limited the raffle to 1,000 tickets.

Dotson learned he had won when Dan Varn, executive director for United Way called him moments after the drawing.

“I’m standing around a lot of wonderful people here at Graham Chevrolet and we’re proud to let you know that you are the winner of our ‘Win a Chevy,’” Varn said.

“No way,” Dotson replied. “Holy cow, I’m so dang happy.”

Dotson said he has entered the raffle for the past three years and believes he only bought one ticket this time.

“I’m a Chevy man,” Dotson said. “I’m very excited.”

He arrived at the dealership driving a Chevy truck he previously bought from Graham.

“I live in Ashland, but I buy all my cars here,” he said. 

(Lincoln Dotson enters Graham Chevrolet to pick up his 2025 Chevy Trax. Credit: Hannah Martin)

Dotson said his wife will likely end up driving the new vehicle.

He called her at work along with his aunt and several others to share the news, joking he had suddenly become a celebrity.

A fundraiser that stays local

“We are just thrilled to be here and support this fundraiser for the United Way because of the generosity of Graham AutoMall,” Varn said.

Varn thanked the community as well for supporting the fundraiser, noting the raffle sold out.

Varn said the partnership between the United Way and Graham Chevrolet has become a cornerstone of the organization’s fundraising efforts.

“We’re so appreciative of Graham Chevrolet for being part of this event for the sixth year,” he said. “It makes a huge difference.”

United Way directs the funds toward childcare support, after-school programs and access to quality health care, Varn said in previous reporting.

He emphasized the organization’s guiding principle: raise money locally and keep it in the community.

“Our partnership with the United Way is very valuable,” said Ken Williams, vice president of Graham Chevrolet. “It’s a way for us to reach out in the community with over 15 organizations and 40 programs.”

During the September kickoff, Williams said the partnership means more than handing over car keys for Graham Chevrolet.

“We are always happy to partner with United Way,” Williams said. “We’ve had so many interesting stories over the six years.”

Williams added the Chevy Trax continues to rank as the dealership’s most popular model and offers a strong value for drivers.

(Photos from the “Win a Chevy” fundraiser by United Way and Graham Chevrolet. Credit: Hannah Martin)

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