Write an essay, win a mansion!
We pet owners all have stories to tell.
Well, write one of those stories down and you could win this Ocala Mansion (valued at $1.25 million). The owner, Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti, a national best-selling author, is coming out of retirement, moving and apparently giving away her home to the person who writes the best "Pet Lover Story"
Send in your "Pet Lover Story" (according to the rules and regulations) along with a cover letter and a 4X6 color photograph of the pet. There is also a $200 entry fee. The contest begins on April 23 and all the entries must be received by July 25th but postmarked on or before July 23.
For all the details (because there are many) check out Ocalamasion.com/mansion.
I think this is awesome that someone can win this house, but I don't really understand how she can afford to just give her home away.
I hope someday I'm in a financial situation like this, where I can give away my million-dollar home.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
Thank you very much Angela for letting everyone know about my Ocala Mansion "Pet Lover Story" Essay Contest! I also wanted to invite everyone to come and tour the Ocala Mansion, next Wednesday 4.23.08 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. This will be the only time the public will actually have an opportunity to tour my mansion in person! I hope you can come too and I look forward to meeting everyone. But I'm really excited about handing over the keys to my Ocala Mansion to a new owner in July before I go on my nationwide tour for my new book - Caesar. Good luck everyone and start writing!
Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti
Posted by: Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti | April 17, 2008 9:47 AM
Wow! I saw this on Fox 35 Orlando News and Channel 9. I'm definately going to the open house on Wednesday. Is anyone else coming? I'm so excited. Can you believe someone is actually going to win this Ocala Mansion. See you there.
Posted by: Trish Miller | April 17, 2008 11:14 AM
But, what is she giving away?
She needs a minimum of 6250 entries times $200 a piece - how convenient $1.25 million raised. In a slow real estate market, she figures she makes her money and looks benevolent at the same time. ....and if she doesn't get the minimum entries, her option can be to send your $200 back MINUS a $20 processing fee - yeah she's all heart.
Posted by: KCK | April 17, 2008 11:29 AM
KCK,
Please don't say things that aren't true or that will discourage people from entering the Best "Pet Lover Essay" Contest. I intend to hand over the keys to my Ocala Mansion to a wonderful family because YES we will recieve the minimum 6,250 essys. So, my intention is not to keep the $20.00 from anyone, but to hand over the keys to my Ocala Mansion to a wonderful family or not-for-profit organization that is worth over $1.25 million dollars. The winner then can do whatever they like with it. They can live in it or sell it for whatever price they decide to sell it for. I am truly trying to bless someone through my Ocala Mansion Essay Contest. Feel free to enter.
Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti.
Posted by: Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti | April 17, 2008 11:47 AM
To Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti
Please explain what I said that was untrue? We aren't supposed to read the fine print of plenty of paperwork from your lawyer?
Your intention is not to keep $20 from anyone, but nonetheless, in a little cya from your lawyer it is distinctly spelled out.
Posted by: KCK | April 18, 2008 11:08 AM
To KCK and Miss Giovannetti. I am entering the contest and like my 1 in 7000 or so chances of winning,better than the lotto and Miss Giovannetti is doing nothing wrong in getting her 1.25 million. You go girl!!!!
Posted by: Sandra Malawka | April 20, 2008 11:14 AM
Hi everyone. Just wanted you to know that Fox 35 Orlando News just invited the Winner of the Ocala Mansion Essay Contest, their pet and I to appear on the News after the Winner has been chosen!
Very cool! Also, I want to remind everyone that we are holding the Official Press Conference and Open House on Wednesday, 4.23.08 at 12 noon to 3 p.m. This will be the only opportunity for the public to tour the Ocala Mansion in person. I hope you will be able to make it and I look forward to meeting you. Good luck with your essay! www.ocalamansion.com
Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti.
Posted by: Miss Clementina Marie Giovannetti | April 20, 2008 9:39 PM
I am amazed by the generosity of Miss Clementina and the comments of KCK. It does not matter that the owner will get the market value of the house as the winner will get the house for $200 through the expression of love for a pet. To me that is a gift from God. I have worked my entire life and will never be able to afford such a house. Our family would be so blessed. KCK, please watch Walt Disney's movie Bambi and listen well when Thumper says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." It is one of life's wonderful lessons. Thank you Miss Clementina for this gift and this opportunity.
Posted by: Joy | May 7, 2008 10:48 PM
I would like to get with you in a private situation and see if we are related. Please: if you can spend a few minutes of your precious time. I am a pet lover also. My mother taught me to love all animals.
Posted by: Paula | September 14, 2008 11:25 AM