Murray said the ATM challenge was a rare, pleasant experience for her during a year of misfortunes, from her injuries from a series of automobile accidents to health concerns for members of her family.
“I've had a tough year,” Murray said as she prepared to take the challenge at the WSFS Bank's branch in the Trabant University Center, her hands trembling slightly. “I'm a little nervous. I've used ATMs, but I've never won anything before. My thoughts were: 'Oh! My God! What if I go and make a fool of myself and not get any money?'”
Murray said her husband, Nelson, had offered to accompany her to the challenge, but she declined because he is a prankster who can easily derail her concentration.
With a new ATM card and slip of paper with the PIN number in her hands, Murray stood in front of the ATM and began the challenge after prompting from Clifford Murphy, a bank supervisor who held a stopwatch in his hand.
After a wobbly start, Murray quickly punched away at the keys and withdrew the maximum allowed amount of $250 five times before she ran out of time.
“Unbelievable!” Murray said. “I was just pressing the keys and I didn't think I got that much.”
Murray, who had made reservations for a 7-day cruise to Bermuda weeks before she won the challenge, said the cash will help pay for the cruise with a little left for a shopping treat for her daughter.
UD's annual Benefits Fair allows employees to meet with human resources specialists and representatives of benefit provider organizations to learn about UD benefits programs.
“We are happy to help,” Murphy said. “It's always a fun time when we can help somebody get some free money.”
Article by Martin Mbugua
Photo by Sarah Simon