Ellsworth’s announces Christmas in July winner
It’s now become a popular July event in North Fort Myers. Each year for the last six years, Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling has given away a complete, top-of-the-line air conditioning unit – with no strings attached.
“The best thing is that in these economic times we’re still able to give back to the community which has given us so much,” said Ellsworth’s president William J. Barnes.
When residents fill out an entry form it’s simply that – no names go on a mailing list, no sales calls from the contest.
“People are really now knowing this is just a true giveaway,” he said.
This year’s winner was Joan Osborne of Buccaneer Estates. She said she was thrilled when she got the news that she had won.
“That was the most fun thing this year – she said she had never won anything in her life,” said Barnes.
“Her air conditioning unit was 14 years and two months old,” said friend Robert Mills. “We know that because the people who sold the house kept great records.”
“I wouldn’t have entered if I had a new unit,” Osborne said. “I would have given someone else a chance.”
Both said the unit is top-of-the-line and very efficient, which hopefully will help with future electric bills.
“The people at Ellsworth are so nice,” Osbourne added.
Barnes and the company’s owner, George Ellsworth Sr., came up with the idea of the Christmas in July giveaway six years ago, hoping someone who really needed an air conditioner may be the recipient. According to Barnes, that’s been the case almost every time. He noted that one winner was a woman who was blind with three kids and another an 86-year-old that had no air at all.
Giveaway forms are located throughout North Fort Myers in July, with boxes in many different locations. Osbourne saw hers at her clubhouse. Others stop by Ellsworth Heating & Cooling location to fill out a form.
Barnes said all of the members of Ellsworth’s team truly enjoy the North Fort Myers community and the people.
“They are great, down-to-earth people who have supported us for over 40 years,” he said.
Employee Candy Harney helps coordinate the event.
“We had a lot of people come in to fill the forms this year,” she said, noting the economy as a factor.
“Interestingly, we had put that original unit in that house in 1980,” Harney said of the home where the giveaway winner lives. “Then we replaced it in 1984.”
Ellsworth’s offices are located at 1905 N. Tamiami Trail. The number is 995-6005.