HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Her hands went up in celebration as she let out a joyful cheer. She had won. After months of following around Hundred Dollar Bill, her hope of being the $10,000 winner had become a reality.

Thousands of people signed up this summer for the $20,000 Summer Cash Giveaway from Eagle Communications (My 93.1, Country 102.9 and KWBW 1450 AM/98.5 FM). Most people only dream of becoming a finalist. Many follow the registration boxes everywhere they go, but never get the call that their name has been drawn. Some people sign up knowing they will never win in a million years.

For Esther Smith, today may as well be July 23 in the year 1,002,016. She did it. She signed up at Cafe 25 earlier this summer and her name was drawn. She was Finalist No. 63 and her lottery ball shot to the top of the hopper, ahead of other potential winners.

One hundred finalists were named from across 13 cities in Central Kansas. Listeners hoping to win the big prize signed up all summer long at sponsor locations. They also showed up faithfully at appearance locations in hopes of becoming an Instant Finalist. Ninety-one finalists showed up at the Sunflower South Building of the Kansas State Fairgrounds for a chance to win big.

While Esther was the big winner, plenty of other finalists walked away with prizes. In fact, all of them walked away with some money. All 100 were instant winners of $100. Nine finalists did not show up, so their money was given away also. Shopping sprees were given away to downtown Hutchinson and some gift certificates were handed out to some local businesses.

Pizza Ranch was on hand to give out some great pizza while hopefuls waited on the festivities to begin. Morgan Wilk took the stage and entertained the crowd before the big giveaway.

Esther said she was just happy to win $100. Imagine how she feels now. “I have a lot of best friends now,” Smith said with a huge smile. Her husband joined her as they held up the winning check. Even though he knows it is his wife’s money, you get the feeling she’ll be gracious enough to share the winnings, or at least spend a few bucks of it on her husband.

The $20,000 Summer Cash Giveaway was made possible by DH Home Improvement, Your Wireless World and Stone Creek Nursery.

See a full list of sponsors here.