Ukrainian credit union hosts Western Union sweepstakes (02/01/04)

Ukrainian credit union hosts Western Union sweepstakes

DENVER - Andrey Dugaev, winner of the Western Union "Unlock the Vault" Sweepstakes took home a total of $17,490 after collecting as much cash as he could in the bank vault run event held by Western Union at the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

As part of the Unlock the Vault Sweepstakes, Western Union customers who made a qualifying transaction during the promotional period had a chance to win cash prizes, including the grand prize: the chance to run through a bank vault to collect up to $25,000. The sweepstakes winner was placed in a vaulted area of a credit union with bills of various denominations and had 60 seconds to gather as many bills as possible. All bills collected in the allotted time were awarded to the winner. The maximum the winner could collect is $25,000 with a guarantee of receiving a minimum of $15,000.

"When I got the call from Western Union that I had won the sweepstakes, it was a nice surprise," said Mr. Dugaev. "I am very thankful to Western Union for not only giving me this wonderful opportunity, but for providing me with great service and helping me stay connected with my family in Obninsk [Russia]. The money I send with Western Union allows me to care for my family although they are so far away," he added.

"As a Western Union agent, it is ourpleasure here at the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union to host this event for Western Union's winners of the 'Unlock the Vault Sweepstakes,' said Mr. Alenko, president.

Mr. Dugaev came to the United States from Russia six years ago and said he began using Western Union right away. "I never thought to send money in any other way," explained Mr. Dugaev. "Western Union always provides me with service that is both reliable and fast. Whenever I call to check with my loved ones, the money is already there." Mr. Dugaev works in the construction business here in the United States but said his dream is to open his own business. His winnings from Western Union's "Unlock the Vault" Sweepstakes will help make that dream come true.

"It is extremely gratifying for us to see Mr. Dugaev's excitement and hear about his plans for the money," said Alexander Gomellya, assistant marketing manager, Western Union. "Providing value for our customers is a priority for us at Western Union and through these promotions, we have the chance to give something back as a thank you for using our services."

Western Union Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corp., is an international leader in consumer money transfer services. For more information readers may visit the company's website at www.westernunion.com.

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