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Just a few months ago we were given and GRAND PRIZE for The Mary J Blige Lunch & Shopping Spree to give to a lucky Cleveland winner.

We made another dream come true. After receiving thousands of online entries to our website one lucky Clevelander was chosen to win an all expenses paid trip to Hollywood, a $2500 shopping spree, and lunch with legendary songstress Mary J. Blige. The honor went to Candis Linen. Repping Cleveland, Ohio, she was no stranger to random luck. A few years ago, she also won tickets to meet, greet, and see R. Kelly in concert via WZAKCleveland.com. But today, she’s crying tears of joy with her mother (pictured above), as they wait to meet Mary J. Blige for lunch. “When I got off the plane, the driver was there with my name, waiting for me,” said Candis, recalling the first class service she received after landing in California. “I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s my name. That’s for me.’”

But a personal driver was just the beginning. After a night in the jacuzzi at the swanky SLS Hotel, day two of her trip included the ultimate prize: Shopping on Rodeo Drive and lunch with Mary J. Blige at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills. Lobster, shrimp, fillet mignon, the food calmed Candis’ nerves and stopped her from crying long enough to have a conversation with Mary about faith, removing negative energy, and allowing good things to come into one’s life. She confessed to Mary her dreams of becoming a social worker. And even sang favorite songs from What’s the 411. “This was just what I needed,” said Candis, the single mother of a 7 year old daughter. “Cause you know life…” It was the perfect Easter Weekend getaway. But when Mary suggested they stop at the Gucci store to use her 50% friends & family discount, Good Friday got better. Designer bags and shoes to match, Mary played stylist as Candis modeled the Grammy winner’s picks. “I want this,” said Candis, holding a tan Gucci bag to her chest. “Mary picked this out for me.”

In the end, Candis had two huge shopping bags covered with tiny “Gs,” and an autograph from rapper Soulja Boy who just happened to stop by Gucci just as Candis was leaving. As she modeled new threads for the camera, her eyes again began to water with gratitude. “Mary, Radio One, Z107.9 in Cleveland, I love you,” she said. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”