Contest offers free, easy chance for autumn fun

Starting with my military service in the 1980s, my service as a volunteer firefighter and medic in the 1990s and including my present philanthropic giving, I have always believed it's important to give back to the communities that support us and provide us with such wonderful places to live. As an extension of that philosophy, visitors to my web site will find a new feature--a link at the top right of the main page that reads, "Enter to WIN!"

Clicking this link will take visitors to a contest entry form, where they can enter to win a package including event tickets, dinner out and cash. No purchase is necessary to win, and those who don't plan to buy or sell a home have just as much chance to win as those who do.

While winning won't make a person rich, contest winners are likely to experience a great time out with the friend, family member or loved one of their choice, all paid for by yours truly--me. But what makes this contest unique?

Imagine walking into a shopping mall and dropping an entry slip into a box to win a car, a jet ski, a motor home, or some other "big-ticket" item. You know that the next thing that happens is the company giving away that "free" item sells your name and contact information to a telemarketing firm, which in turn uses your entry as a way to avoid the "Do Not Call List" for 90 days. You start getting a barrage of phone calls trying to sell you anything from the item that you tried to win "for free" to vinyl siding or timeshares or the next "sure-thing" stock pick.

I hate those kinds of contests, and I know that there are a lot of people out there like me. I can't yet afford to give away a couple of new Hummers each year, but I like to think I can add a little fun to the lives of folks who don't mind taking the minute or so that's needed to fill in my contest entry form. And I will never sell or otherwise give your contact information to a telemarketing firm or to anybody else without your permission.

Prize giveaways will be offered through the contest about twice a year, and prizes will differ according to the season. If you don't see something you like this time, check back in a few months for the next prize giveaway.

The main entry requirements are that entrants have access to a computer and that they be Oregon residents over age 18. Please see my web site for full contest rules.

This contest is just one small way that I can thank those clients who have put their faith in me in the past, as well as those who are considering using my services. Remember, there is no purchase or obligation necessary to win--and best of luck.