At 7 a.m. this morning, I found myself standing in an unusually quiet Thriftway, Hokas laced, heart pounding, and a shopping cart waiting for me like a starting line. I had won the Voice of Vashon summer raffle, the legendary Thriftway shopping spree, and I had three short minutes to grab whatever I could.
The rules were simple… no alcohol, two or fewer of each item, and three minutes flat. Clay, the ever-gracious owner of Thriftway, had carts stationed at strategic points, and my friend Lyn stood ready as my spotter. Tara from Voice of Vashon had her camera rolling, narrating every choice with the kind of enthusiasm only a live radio host can muster.
My Strategy (Spoiler: Olive Oil and Cheese Won the Day)
I had a plan. Start in the canned soups and pasta aisle, stock up on practical staples, then pivot into the fancier indulgences. Tara laughed when I explained it… most people scatter, but I was determined to keep it efficient.
When the countdown started… “Three, two, one, go, go, go!”… efficiency quickly gave way to instinct. I dashed down the aisle, filling the cart with pasta, soups, and sauce. Tara’s voice followed me: “Look at her, very smart… pasta to fancy cheeses. I’m coming over to your house for dinner!”
That’s when things got interesting. I piled in parmesan wedges, a stack of gourmet blocks, and then the olive oil came into view. Tara and Lyn were both egging me on. “Olive oil, olive oil, olive oil! Get the expensive one!” So of course, I did. By the end, I had racked up $140 worth of olive oil alone.
Olive oil, olive oil, olive oil! Get the expensive one!” Tara and Lyn were egging me on, laughing as I raced down the aisle. By the end, I had racked up $140 worth of olive oil and the makings of an Italian feast of a lifetime.
The aisles blurred as the final seconds ticked down. Gluten-free cake mix, bakeware, spices… anything I could grab. Tara’s laughter echoed: “She’s the most destructive I’ve seen. Good choices! You’re gonna have the Italian feast of a lifetime!”
The Tally
When the dust settled, the register revealed the damage… $1,126.94 in groceries. Everyone crowded around, placing bets on the total. Clay grinned as the numbers climbed. Tara shook her head and laughed: “You solidly got $140 of just olive oil.”
Would I ever spend $1,100 in one grocery trip? Not in a million years. But thanks to Voice of Vashon and Thriftway, I had just lived out every kid’s dream… racing through the aisles while friends and neighbors cheered me on.
Gratitude and Community
This spree wasn’t just fun. It was made possible because of the generosity of our local Thriftway and the creative fundraising of Voice of Vashon. Tara, thank you for capturing the madness on video and cheering me through every aisle. Lyn, thank you for being my spotter and encouraging me every step of the way. Clay, thank you for setting it all up and for always supporting the community. And most of all, thank you to Voice of Vashon and Thriftway for donating this unforgettable prize to help keep local radio alive.
We’re lucky on Vashon to have a station that connects us, entertains us, and lifts up stories that make this island what it is. If you haven’t tuned in lately, give Voice of Vashon a listen… and support them however you can.
Your Turn Next Summer
Every summer, Voice of Vashon raffles off this shopping spree. This year, it was my name pulled from the hat. Next year, it could be yours. Buy a ticket, support local radio, and maybe you’ll be the one sprinting through the aisles at sunrise with Tara shouting… “Grab the olive oil!”
Until then, I’ll be at home figuring out what to do with all this cheese.
Author: Jennifer Mathews
