IMMEDIATE APRIL 29, 2004

ABAC STUDENT WINS JOHN BERRY RADIO CONTEST

TIFTON—When John Berry performs at the annual Dollars for ABAC Scholars show on May 14, the event will hold special significance for Abraham Baldwin College student Dana Murray.

Murray, a nursing major from Conyers, has been chosen as the regional winner of the “John Berry Will You Marry Me Most Unique Proposal Contest” sponsored by Dixie 106.7 in Douglas. Murray plans to be in attendance at the ABAC Foundation sponsored event in the Donaldson Dining Hall. Only 100 tickets remain for the $125 per person scholarship fundraiser. Call 229-386-3265 for ticket information.

Murray, whose parents are Scott and Tammie Butler, sent in an essay describing how her fiancé, Brad Collins of Duluth, proposed to her on Nov. 19, 2003. “I was listening to the station on the day it was supposed to be announced, but it never came on. I called the station and talked to the DJ. She told me I won.” The winner was announced on March 29.

Murray is now a finalist in this contest. Berry, whose most recent hit is “Will You Marry Me?” will read all the finalist essays and choose the one he likes the best. If she wins, Berry will sing at her wedding. For reaching the next round, Berry sent her a bouquet of flowers as part of her winnings.

To top that off, Murray, with the help of Berry’s publisher and the ABAC Alumni Association, was able to meet Berry at the Rylander Theater in Americus after attending his recent concert. “I brought a copy of my essay to show him and told him all about how Brad proposed. I hope all that I’ve done is persuasive, and he’ll sing at my wedding.”

Murray will be married May 14, 2005, exactly one year after the Dollars for ABAC Scholars in which Berry will perform. The wedding will be held in Milledgeville at the Willis House. The date has special meaning because it is the 25^th anniversary of Collins’ parents and the 50^th anniversary of his grandparents.

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