Last days for hybrid tickets

Posted by Doni Greenberg on June 17th, 2008 No Comments Printer-Friendly

The last time I felt that nervous while driving in the Convention Center parking lot was when teaching my kids to drive.

My fears were the same: A wreck or fender-bender.

This time, I was the one behind the wheel as I test drove a brand new Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited, Valued at $48,407.

This 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited is the crown jewel of Turtle Bay Exploration Park’s latest fund-raising event. (By the way, the color of Turtle Bay’s Highlander is Blizzard Pearl, not the color of the Highlander in the above photo.)

On Saturday, some lucky person will win the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited.

For my test drive, I had witnesses - I mean passengers: Mitch Houghton, of Lithia Toyota, rode shotgun. Angela Torretta and Megan Conn, of Turtle Bay’s marketing and public relations department, wisely sat in the back seat.

First Houghton took us for a spin. He accelerated quickly to demonstrate the car’s traction control. He braked hard to show off the Highlander’s anti-lock brake system.

As he drove he pointed out all the car’s bells and whistles:

•Leather seats

•Third-row bench seat

•Back-up camera

•Voice-activated DVD navigation

•Hands-free Bluetooth capabilities

•Seven standard airbags

•City driving, about 27 miles per gallon; freeway driving, about 25 miles per gallon

Finally, it was my turn. I felt like a kid learning to drive. I was so afraid to wreck or scratch the Highlander.

1. Did I mention it’s worth nearly $50,000?

2. Did I mention this Highlander belongs to Turtle Bay Exploration Park?

3. Can we assume that the person who wins the car might not appreciate any dings or dents?

I did fine. And the Highlander really is a beauty of a car. It handles nicely, and doesn’t ride like an SUV.

What a deal if you or someone you love won it in Turtle Bay’s raffle.

With just a few days left before the Saturday raffle drawing, It’s down to the wire for those who wish to buy tickets.

They cost 1 for $50 or 3 for $100, but of course, you can buy as many tickets as you want, as long as you don’t buy more than 7,500. Turtle Bay has promised to not sell more than that number, as added incentive.

Redding Mayor Mary Stegall will draw the winning raffle ticket at 1 p.m. Sat. June 21 at the REU Energy Fair.

All raffle proceeds benefit Turtle Bay.

Good luck.

To buy raffle tickets or for more information, call 242-3190.