By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
A retired Floyd County teacher was excited to learn she had won a year of free car washes, but Big Dan’s Car Wash in Rome, Georgia, had an even bigger surprise for her.
Deborah Conaway arrived at the car wash last Tuesday after being notified of her free car wash surprise but while there, she was surprised again to learn she also won a brand new 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
In April, Big Dan’s Car Wash and Riverside Nissan teamed up to give away a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition to one lucky Unlimited Club member at Big Dan’s Rome location. The giveaway included the car, tax, tag, and title and valued at $50,000.
“We wanted to do something out of the box at our flagship location. Our friends at Riverside just celebrated their 50th anniversary, and we will be opening our 25th location in late spring, so the concept of two great brands and one amazing giveaway is just one way to celebrate our shared milestones,” Jarrett Shadday, chairman of Big Dan’s Car Wash, said in a statement at the time.
Those entered in the drawing had to be an unlimited member of Big Dan’s location in Rome, as well as a member of the car wash’s text club. The contest ran through June 30. A random number generator picked the winner.
“Partnering with Riverside Auto Group was an easy decision because they are a well-run, locally owned and operated business just like us,” Shadday said.
Conaway was at first only told she won the year’s free car washes and was only told about the new car when she arrived to collect the other prize.
“I drove past the car all the time but assumed it would be won by someone in some remote part of the state,” Conaway told the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune. “In fact, I didn’t even know I was entered into the contest.
“My old car got me around, but this Nissan is on a whole other level; it’s a huge upgrade. But I may need to go back to school to learn about all the bells and whistles. My grandson helped me connect my phone this morning, which is a start.”
