Birthday boy takes home 2005 Matrix

There’s no better way to celebrate birthdays and the holiday season than to hear your name announced as this year’s DFS Galleria Toyota Matrix grand prizewinner.

Nonresident worker Fiel Pickrell experienced that Thursday night as his raffle ticket was drawn from several thousands and declared by DFS Galleria general manager Mark Sullivan as the lucky winner of the spanking new automobile.

Sullivan read out aloud Pickrell’s name several times. He said the grand prize winner did not need to be present in the raffle draw to accommodate tourists who participated in the draw but already have gone back to their home countries.

After five long minutes someone approached the stage and talked to DFS officials verifying the winner’s name. DFS official Ben Babauta suddenly dashed back up on stage and announced that the grand prizewinner was actually present.

Pickrell was invited up on stage and was congratulated by top officials of the company. Pickrell told the media that he was about to celebrate his birthday the next day. He turned 43 Friday. “It’s the best gift for me,” he said.

A father of three, Pickrell said he has been going back and forth to Saipan from Manila, Philippines and it was just recently that he found work. He currently mixes drinks as a bartender at Troika in San Antonio.

Pickrell said he was stunned in the first few minutes after hearing his name but after the interview, he said he became restless for his unexpected fortune.

Sullivan said Pickrell would be given a choice whether to convert the winnings to cash or drive home the Matrix. The Matrix, he said, has a cash equivalent of $19,000. Pickrell said if he would choose the car, he would prefer to get a blue one.

“We are so happy that the winner is here,” Sullivan said, adding that the promotion had been a great start for the “magical season.”

He said DFS started the promotions in August and several thousands of entries were also collected from tourists.

The DFS general manager said as soon as they notify Microl-Toyota Corp., Pickrell could immediately claim his prize.

The second part of DFS’ fashion show also took place Thursday night with several of the mall’s employees sashaying down the runway wearing DFS’ latest offerings.