Photo: benedek / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images
Marie Fratta, a 25-year veteran teacher from Hawthorne, New York, was recently revealed as the winner of the 2024 HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island, Florida. Fratta also received a $100-thousand check and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan. The announcement was made via HGTV's social media and featured a video capturing the moment she was surprised with her prizes.
At first, Fratta wasn’t going to take part in the contest, but her middle daughter encouraged her to enter. Their eldest daughter already lives on Florida's East Coast, making the win an opportunity for the family to be closer together. The grand prize includes a fully furnished home that’s perfect for Fratta to take part in her favorite activities, like going to the beach and hosting gatherings.
To deliver the news, HGTV coordinated with her friends, coworkers, students, and the school principal to set up a surprise event at a local restaurant. Initially, Fratta believed she was being honored for her teaching excellence, only to discover she had won the Dream Home sweepstakes. The event concluded with her family calling their eldest daughter to share the exciting news, with cheers and applause coming from the gathered guests.