Commissary shoppers win big with supermarket sweep

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Jenkins
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson Commissary shoppers had a chance to win a shopping spree recently as part of this year's supermarket sweep contest.

Customers placed their names in a raffle box Dec. 1 through 15, with three finalists chosen for a chance at a two-minute shopping spree. The winner was determined by who could spend the most money within the two-minute time limit.

"We try to get our customers excited about shopping at the commissary," said Michael Johnson, Eielson Commissary store director. "I want to make it fun for everyone, so I try to plan events like this at least once per quarter."

Finalists could have one assistant to help in the shopping spree, and a walkthrough of the store was offered to cover the rules and off-limit shopping areas.

Donna Teffeteller, an Air Force retiree in North Pole, was excited to learn she was one of the three winners.

"I was shocked at first," said Teffeteller, who added she immediately began formulating a game plan with her assistant, Evan Franklin, a contractor with Science Applications International Corporation.

The pair went to the commissary and began thinking about a strategy. They went to the commissary to pick up the rules for the shopping spree, and then walked through the aisles looking at what was easy to grab off the shelf, said Franklin.

"I took pictures in the store, and we decided that smaller items were best, so we could make fewer trips with the shopping carts," said Teffeteller. "Then, we reviewed our plan the night before and the morning of (the shopping spree)."

The careful planning paid off, with the pair spending a total of $1,481.13 - good enough for first place and a $500 shopping spree.

"For the most part we stuck to the plan," said Teffeteller. "It worked out better than I thought it would."

Second place and a $300 shopping spree went to Rob Bandy, spouse of Staff Sgt. Stephanie Bandy, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron dormitory management, who spent $726.81. Third place was earned by Jamie Izydorek, spouse of Staff Sgt. Ryan Izydorek, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels controller, who spent $724.7 and was awarded a $200 shopping spree.

"Events like this are good because they build morale for the community, especially during this time of year," said Johnson. "This is a good way to keep the community involved, and it also builds excitement for the commissary staff."

Johnson added the supermarket sweep, sponsored by commissary vendors Frito Lay, Pepsi and Kraft Foods, was one of several events held throughout the year. More are planned for the upcoming year, including a midnight madness sale in February.