Story posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Local Trio Enjoys Show Over Slots
By DENISE FLEISCHER Lifestyle Editor
Donna Proske can actually tell her friends that she's been a contestant on the television show "Let's Make a Deal".
She wasn't the only one trying her luck. Her husband, Bob, and long-time friend, Mary Stamer, were right there with her as a recent taping of the show.
"The show was filmed at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas around Thanksgiving and was aired on Dec. 22," said Proske.
Before the show was taped, the audience was seated in a holding area and separated. The show's crew then conducted short interviews. If you're not interested in the host, Wayne Brady, calling your name, it's noted on your name card. To keep everyone motivated and awake, a crew member entertains the audience.
"You have to have time. At least it kept us away from the slot machines," she joked.
All three wore gold T-shirts and black pants. Their shirts simply stated, "Bob," "Bob's Wife," and "Bob's Prom Date."
"We were in the first row for the show. In fact, I was the mini-deal of the day. My girlfriend and I had everything but the kitchen sink in our purses," said Proske.
The funny thing was that Brady didn't request something unusual out of her purse.
"The deal was to name one person who he made a deal with during the show. I'm glad my husband told me to pay attention. But, when Brady asked me that question, my mind went totally blank," she confessed.
Little by little he increased the cash prize amount. Proske actually guessed right and won $400. The woman who she named was two rows behind her. She stood up and said, "That's me!"
Being on the show turned out to be a full day's entertainment. The Proskes have also been in the audience of "Live! with Regis and Kelly" and "Wheel of Fortune."
"It was absolutely a lot of fun. Though it doesn't cost any money, it requires patience. You have to laugh and clap and be enthusiastic. You have to shout what you think people should bid on."
Proske split the money with her fellow contestants. She won't be able to play the game for a year, so she's counting the days to 2011.
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