Long Island Widow Wins $2.1 Million in 'Strike It Rich' Sweepstakes

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In a press conference held today at the Garden City Hotel, National Magazine Exchange (NME) awarded its $2.1 million "Strike It Rich VI" Grand Prize to Hazel James of Hempstead, New York. Surrounded by family and friends, the 77-year-old widow proudly accepted the prize. Since 1984, NME has been one of the country's leading magazine subscription sales companies and has awarded more than $8 million in sweepstakes prizes to winners from all corners of the United States.

"This is one of the biggest prize give-aways in our 26 year history and we are thrilled to have such a truly outstanding winner to be awarded with the check," says Tom Ripley, President of National Magazine Exchange. "Hazel represents a lifetime of dedicated service to her family, her church, and her country. We are delighted to be instrumental in making such a deserving person our most recent multimillion-dollar winner."

During her 30 year career, Hazel worked in varied service industries in the New York area.  In the early 1960s, Hazel was the first African-American woman to be employed at an assembly plant on Roosevelt Island, paving the way for others to follow.  Today, she is a proud great-grandmother with family living in several areas of the country. Additionally, Hazel has a grandson who currently serves in the military and is stationed overseas.  Now retired, Hazel dedicates much of her time to family and friends, and sings in her church gospel choir every week.

"I am so thrilled to win this sweepstakes. I am truly blessed," said Hazel. "I can now do many of the things I have only dreamed about."

The Strike It Rich VII Sweepstakes is now underway, to enter, visit www.strikeitriches.com.

In honor of the sweepstakes winner, The Garden City Hotel's Master Chef Steven De Bruyn and Executive Pastry Chef Felicia Jablonski rolled in their own special presentation, a five-tier, two-foot high "Strike it Rich" themed cake, garnished with hand-made green and gold embellishments including $100 dollar bills, gold coins and diamonds.

About National Magazine Exchange

For 26 years, National Magazine Exchange (NME) has been a leader in offering value-priced magazine packages and money-saving memberships to customers nationwide. Based in Clearwater, Florida, National Magazine Exchange has awarded more than $8 million through their proprietary sweepstakes.  To be able to offer such discounts, NME maintains relationships with publishers representing hundreds of magazine titles. Because of these long-standing affiliations, NME is able to offer a wide variety of magazines to their customers at a deeply discounted price. Their Reader's Exchange program allows customers to exchange their magazines for other titles in the event their interests change.  For more information, visit www.nmemags.com or www.nmewinners.com.

About The Garden City Hotel

No stranger to #1 ratings, The Garden City Hotel is recognized as a leader on the Long Island dining and lodging scene. Top rankings from best food to best service are given year-over-year.  The luxury hotel is one of only 185 members, internationally, of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Group and the only hotel serving Long Island.  Since 1874, the legendary property has been a centerpiece of Garden City and Long Island culture, attracting leaders in business and politics, and celebrities in entertainment and professional sports from around the World.  For more information about The Garden City Hotel, visit www.gardencityhotel.com or call (516) 747-3000.

SOURCE National Magazine Exchange