>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

ISLAND CITY — Zella Gipson could not understand why everyone was congratulating her at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton.

After all, she had only won a drawing for $100.

Or so she thought.

Gipson, whose name had been called at Wildhorse, had won a drawing but it was for more than $100.

Much more.

The Island City resident had won a 2008 Honda Civic worth more than $16,000.

Gipson had thought her prize was only $100 when her name was called because there had been drawings every 30 minutes for $100 or $150 throughout the day at Wildhorse as part of a weekly promotion. She knew that the last drawing of the day would be for a car but thought it was too early for it.

When Gipson arrived at the front desk there was a large crowd of people around. She then asked, “What did I win?’’

Gipson was told she had won a new car.

“I was shocked,” said Gipson who was with her husband, Reg.

Zella Gipson’s name had been drawn from what she believes were up to 10,000 entry forms. People were awarded coupons based on how much they play at Wildhorse and for filling one out upon entering Wildhorse. Gipson believes the coupon she filled out right after entering Wildhorse the day she won the car is the one that was drawn.

The Honda Civic was one of four cars Wildhorse gave away in June as part of a promotion conducted each week.

The Island City resident can’t believe her good fortune.

“I feel lucky, very lucky.’’