By reporter Steven Smalley
It took only three days for Magnolia resident, Lael Anderson, to collect all the
Monopoly game pieces at Albertson?s and Safeway to win a $35,000 prize towards a new? car. The suddenness of the win took all by surprise.
?She came up through the register and said, ?I think I won,?? explained Jonathan
Hunter, store director at Magnolia?s Albertson?s. ?The whole time I could tell she
was in shock. She couldn?t believe she won.?
Anderson, a student at Seattle Central Community College, could use the money.
?She told us her car was in the shop. So I couldn?t imagine this going to a better
person,? says Hunter.
In anticipation of the in-store award, corporate managers had a giant check printed?and a cake specially decorated for the occasion. Not many takers for the comestibles?as even store employees were still at their stations when the not-so-well-attended?presentation was made.
It mattered not to Anderson, who picked up the actual cashier?s check at the same
time Monday afternoon. Her determination paid off as she worked diligently to
collect all the Monopoly pieces by shopping 4-5 times a day at several stores.
?I went to Safeway. I went to Albertson?s. I went all over,? she said. ?When I put
my mind to something, I really do it. Most people cast [the game pieces] aside. I
decided to go for it.?
How does Anderson feel about the win?
?I was in a state of disbelief. I didn?t think anyone won these things. I was
totally shocked,? she said. ?I was so surprised. I never win anything.?
The store director was elated.
?I?m very happy this is going to a local Magnolia resident,? Hunter said.
For the last year, Albertson?s and Safeway have been owned by the same company.
