THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008
Fortunate Winners
Local Residents' Pockets A Little Heftier Thanks To Winnings On 'Wheel of Fortune'
By RICHARD MAYER
Journal Reporter
Who says it's hard to get on a game show and win money?
Three residents from Mt. Prospect, Arlington Hts. and Rolling Meadows beat the odds and participated in the long- running game show, "Wheel of Fortune," taped Mar. 7-9 at Navy Pier in Chicago, and even took home some money.
Rolling Meadows resident Wally Cwynar, Jr. and his father participated in the Family Style Week games that were taped Mar. 7.
According to Cwynar, Sr., his son noticed on the Internet that the game show was coming to Chicago and anyone could apply.
His son's name was selected and the two of them auditioned at a Chicago hotel in January. Cwynar, Sr. said he and his son were part of approximately 100 couples that auditioned.
"We had to take written tests, solve a dozen puzzles which varied from easy to hard and also be very energetic throughout," said Cwynar, Sr.
It was narrowed down to about 40 couples by the end of the day, he said.
"We all went home not knowing if we were going to make the show, but then we received a call in mid-February that we were accepted and will actually be on the show," Cwynar, Sr. said.
On Mar. 7, the two arrived at Navy Pier, but had to wait all day until their taping at 7:30 that night.
"There was a lot of security there and we couldn't acknowledge anyone. We even had to have one of the crew members walk us to the bathroom," Cwynar, Sr. laughed.
He said he and his son had an opportunity midday to check out the actual wheel that's used in the game show.
During those brief moments, they were able to meet Vanna White, the show's longtime co-host.
When it was their time to play, Cwynar and his son competed against two brothers and two sisters in front of thousands in attendance, Cwynar Sr. said.
According to Cwynar, Sr., they automatically won $2,000 and additional money from the game. However, he couldn't reveal how much they won altogether---not until that particular game is aired on television.
"We didn't get to the bonus round, but we were thrilled to be there," added Cwynar, Sr.
He said their appearance will be aired on Thursday, May 8.
Mt. Prospect resident Laura Hubert, 19, a graduate of Prospect High School and current Loyola University student, said she was "so excited" when she found out she was going to be on the game show.
"I signed up around the holidays to audition and then I received a letter in the mail in February that I was selected," said Hubert. "However, I didn't know if I was going to have to travel to Los Angeles for the taping or down at Navy Pier."
Hubert said she received a phone call from game show reps a few weeks later informing her she was going to participate in the game in Chicago.
"I was so excited, because I am a huge fan and watch every day," emphasized Hubert.
Hubert competed in the College Week competition and showed up for her taping on Mar. 8 at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Unlike Cwynar, Sr., who had to wait all day, Hubert's taping was at 2:30 p.m.
"It was pretty strict. I couldn't even look at my family who was in the crowd," said Hubert.
Hubert said the event was "very profitable," but she was not the big winner.
"I solved three of the four puzzles, but someone else won more money than me," added Hubert.
The money she won will be used toward college and future endeavors, she said. Her appearance is scheduled for between Apr. 28-May 2.
Arlington Heights resident Nick LaMantia, 22, a graduate of St. Viator High School currently attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison, said he filled out an application to audition, but didn't think much of it, he said.
"I started to really get excited when people were being cut and I was still standing," said LeMantia.
LeMantia also arrived at Navy Pier for his taping for College Week around 8:30 a.m. Mar. 8. However, he had to wait until around 7:30 that night to play.
LeMantia was the winner of his show, but didn't win the bonus round at the end. The money won will be used to finish up school, he said, since this semester is his last in Wisconsin.
"I am hoping to travel a bit with the money I won and it will also help me get off the ground a bit since I am graduating and don't have a job as of yet," added LeMantia.
LeMantia's show is expected to air Thursday, May 1.