A Television Set For Every Channel Teenager Wins 100 TVs In Network’s Online Contest

ABC’s new ad campaign tells viewers there’s never been a better time to own a television set.

But 100 television sets?

A 14-year-old girl here won 100 TVs in ABC’s “I Celebrate TV” contest.

Lisa Wheeler’s family members so far have taken delivery of 70 televisions, which are overflowing their home and garage. They’re not sure they have room for the rest, but there was no cash alternative for a winner who didn’t want 100 TV sets.

“This was the only choice,” says Lisa’s father, Patrick, a firefighter in nearby Hoquiam. “I asked that question.”

So while some families with satellite or cable can choose among 100 channels, the Wheelers could watch 100 channels at once.

Lisa Wheeler entered the contest through the Internet. But the eighth-grader at Montesano Junior High School was a little dubious when she was told two weeks ago that she’d won.

“I thought it was one of those Publishers Clearing House things … you know, with the ‘You MAY have won,”’ she said.

Doubt vanished Thursday.

“It’s one thing hearing you won them - it’s another thing seeing them unloaded off a Ryder truck,” said Lisa’s 16-year-old sister, Trish.

The TVs received so far, by various manufacturers, include two 61-inch sets, several 35-inch sets, and a boatload of 20-inch sets and 13-inch sets.

“We are trying to keep a 61,” Trish said. “We’re begging.”

Their parents, Patrick and Wilma, haven’t decided yet.

The kids also hope to keep one apiece for their bedrooms, but that’s not likely, their father said.

“I’m not going to lay that much cable,” he said.

The family hopes to sell most of the sets, but not for pennies on the dollar. They hope to make serious contributions to the kids’ college funds and maybe buy a new saddle for Lisa’s horse, Shammy.

They’ll offer them below retail value, which is about $31,000, Patrick Wheeler said. ABC is taking care of the taxes, saving the Wheelers about $9,000.