Home Wrecking: Contest Flap Unlocked

By: Shawn Moynihan They say that winning isn't everything. Except, of course, when you win a prize and then you're told it's not really yours.

On Oct. 21, Centex Homes and the Denver Newspaper Agency (DNA) held an event before a Broncos game at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium, during which it would give away a home valued at more than $200,000. Three finalists held keys that unlocked doors stationed on the field. When Veronica Baca turned hers in a doorknob, the lock was opened ? and as fireworks exploded, she was engulfed with well-wishers. The house was her's.

But on the following Wednesday, an hour before Baca was to close on the home, she received a call telling her she'd better call off the movers. As it turned out, during all the excitement on the field, the key of another finalist, Paula Hankins, worked too. Per the contest's fine print, a subsequent random drawing was held for handling a "tie" ? and determined Hankins the winner.

"They called my mom as we were driving to the close," says her daughter, Carla Baca-Costello. Baca was offered merchandise worth about $25,000 for the inconvenience by Centex and the DNA.

Disappointed and angry over how things turned out, the Bacas told their story to the local ABC affiliate, through which it gained significant local attention, and they filed a lawsuit. Initially the DNA stuck to its guns, issuing a statement on Nov. 1 stating, "Centex Homes and the Denver Newspaper Agency have tried to achieve the fairest possible outcome according to the rules established for the promotion. ... We are disappointed if any of the finalists are not satisfied with the results of the contest."

But a week later, Centex Homes contacted the Bacas to apologize and work with them to set things right. They reached an agreement in which the Bacas would have their choice between the home they originally would have won, or a comparable home in another location. In addition, Centex would provide furnishings for the home and pick up the tab for any of the Baca's legal fees.

"No one expected this kind of result, but we would rather have two happy winners in this situation," Doug Barnes, executive vice president of Centex Homes' northwest region, said in a statement.

"We never intended the contest to end this way," added Bill Anner, Centex Homes' division president in Denver. "We understand the thrill and expectation the contest created for Mrs. Baca, and we understand the disappointment Mrs. Baca and her family have endured."

"It's a wonderful gift, bottom line," adds Baca-Costello. "I'd just rather have saved my folks the misery they went through."