Driven by Generosity: Diane Sweeney's Unconventional Gift of Love

Woman’s Last Wish Was to Raffle Off Her Car at Her Funeral. Her Niece Says She’d Be ‘Proud’ to Know a Teen Won

Subtle Generosity: Diane Sweeney’s Unique Gift

Diane Sweeney’s Unconventional Gift

Diane Sweeney, a woman known for her love of life and her 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, found a creative way to extend her generosity beyond the grave. In a unique twist, she decided to give away her beloved car at her own funeral, ensuring that her final act would be one of kindness and community spirit.

A month before her sudden passing on July 7, 2022, Diane shared her unconventional wish with her nephew, Rick Ingram. She expressed her desire to gift her car to anyone who attended her funeral, without any restrictions. Her nephew vividly remembers her words, “Whoever comes to my funeral, I want them to have a chance to win my Volkswagen Beetle.”

Ingram took it upon himself to make her wish come true. He put out an announcement in the local paper, spreading the word about Diane’s unique request. The story gained traction, with a local news station even covering it, ensuring that the funeral home would be packed with friends, family, and strangers alike.

The day of Diane’s celebration of life became a testament to the impact one person’s kindness can have on a community. People from all walks of life, varying in age, race, and background, gathered to honor her memory and participate in the chance to win her car.

Suzanne Singleterry, Diane’s niece, expressed how this was exactly what her aunt would have wanted. “This is exactly how she would have wanted it. People from all walks of life were here. All ages, faces, races. Some of them came just because they heard about this woman’s story, and they needed a car.”

After Diane’s funeral, the family collected all the raffle tickets, patiently waiting until the estate was settled to draw a name. The chosen winner, announced a year later, was 16-year-old Gabriella Bonham from El Reno, Oklahoma.

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Receiving the news while on vacation, Gabriella couldn’t contain her excitement. “This is crazy! Thank you guys so much!” she exclaimed. The car came as a much-needed blessing for Gabriella, who was experiencing issues with her hand-me-down vehicle. “I have a hand-me-down car that has some issues, and we were trying to figure out ways that I could get a new car. So, it was just an answer to prayers,” she shared.

Diane’s family not only gave away her car but also planned to appreciate 10 more individuals by selecting names from the raffle box. This unique act of generosity not only fulfilled Diane’s last wish but also showcased her selflessness and giving spirit.

“As her family, we felt this raffle truly honored our Aunt Diane’s last wish and her intentions to help strangers,” Suzanne Singleterry expressed. “Our Aunt Diane was every young person’s biggest cheerleader and supporter.”

In the end, Diane’s unconventional wish became a heartwarming celebration of life, proving that even in parting, one can leave a legacy of kindness and community spirit.

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