For Kim Beck, a single phone call transformed an ordinary Wednesday night into an unforgettable moment of disbelief and joy. Beck, who won the grand prize of a 2,133 sq. ft. home in the 18th annual Granville Home of Hope drawing, admitted she never expected to win anything.

As Beck explained, she simply bought a ticket to support a good cause. And, besides, Beck said, she never wins anything.

“Are you kidding?” she asked Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer as he broke the news. Standing with state Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula and Granville Homes CEO and President Darius Assemi, Dyer couldn’t resist a playful jab. “Yes, we are,” he joked, before assuring her the home was truly hers.

Dyer said, “Thanks to Darius Assemi and Granville Homes, this Home of Hope giveaway is something that is very, very special and unique to Fresno.”

Granville Home of Hope Eclipses $9 Million for Local Nonprofits

The announcement marked another milestone for Granville Home of Hope, which has now raised over $9 million since its inception.

This year alone, ticket sales generated $642,000 to benefit nine local nonprofits, all of which played a crucial role in selling the 6,492 tickets.

“These organizations are dealing with people, as I said, in their worst times. But they are also involved in prevention, intervention, education, shelter, providing food, making sure people have their health insecurities met. So all of those things are critical in the community and I cannot imagine what Fresno would be like without them,” Dyer said.

“To all the incredible nonprofits, the nine outstanding, local nonprofits that do incredible work. As the mayor said, you’re the third third leg of the stool,” said Assemi, emphasizing the direct impact on nonprofits serving Fresno’s most vulnerable communities.

“Without you, our community would not be successful. Provide food, shelter, health care, education. We’re very grateful for the incredible work that you do. Again, without you, we wouldn’t be a successful community.”

Beck’s win symbolizes more than luck — it highlights the enduring power of community-driven efforts to uplift and inspire.

(Disclosure: Darius Assemi is the publisher of GV Wire)