Teresa Maute Carr was already a major fan of OCNJDaily before she entered our Win A Free Beach House contest.
Then came the drawing, the win, and at first…the denial.
“It didn’t seem real,” the Quakertown, PA resident said. “I’m a natural skeptic and I thought I was going to be put on some list. I never thought I’d win, but knew I would be getting some great email and Facebook updates to keep me informed about Ocean City. And that’s what happened. And then we got the call and the email with a picture of the house.”
Reality finally set in.
“Thank you. It’s crazy. I’m crying,” she posted on our Facebook page.
Teresa bested more than 30,000 entrants to win use of a beautifully-furnished and fully-loaded five bedroom home. Located on the 1000 block of Wesley Avenue, the house is a short walk to the beach, boardwalk and the Asbury Ave. shopping and eateries.
Teresa, a hospital billing department specialist; her husband Zac, who works in the parts department of an automobile dealership; and their 13-year-old son Dave moved into the house Saturday and have full use of all the facilities until July 2.
The disbelief of their good fortune set in briefly once more after they received their keys from OCNJDaily’s Steve Dyjak, a hearty handshake from Ocean City Councilman Mike DeVlieger,and a welcome bag from the contest sponsors.
The family posed for some pictures and finally was left alone in their spectacular seaside getaway.
“I just sat there, looked around and could not believe that all of this was for us!” Teresa exclaimed. They relaxed for a while and spent their first night exploring the neighborhood and walking to the boardwalk.
“We were out on the porch and noticed a family in a house across the street enjoying some family fun. And all of the lawns and gardens are kept so nice. It just feels like, and I mean this in a nice way, like small town America.”
The Carrs, who had not been in Ocean City for about 10 years, set out to re-acquaint themselves with America’s Greatest Family Resort.
“(Zac) was interested in the antique car show, we watched the kids on the rides, got some pizza at Tony P’s and some ice cream at Preps.”
They also drove around the island a bit to get acclimated.
Dave, who was not initially so keen on the vacation plans announced to his parents, “We are coming back here next year.” Dave also plans on taking advantage of one of the perks of the welcome bag, free surfing lessons.
On Sunday morning, they relaxed on the porch for a bit and then took a leisurely stroll to Starbucks for some coffee. “There are some really great coffee places around town,” she noted.
Teresa said the family will share in their good fortune when Zac’s mother and a friend will come visit on Wednesday.
A big social media fan, Teresa has made numerous posts and shares about the contest, “All with a hashtag for OCNJDaily,” she said.
“We are so lucky, grateful and excited,” she said, summing up the family’s feelings. “Ocean City is such a great town.”
A special “Thank You” to all of the contest sponsors: Passion Vines; JASM Consulting; 7th Street Surf Shop; Tony P’s House of Pies; Preps Pizza & Dairy Bar; Gillian’s Wonderland Pier; OC WaterPark; Playland’s Castaway Cove; and Berkshire Hathaway / Fox & Roach Realtors.
