A Columbus man was the lucky pick on Aug. 15 in the annual Tryon Youth Center car raffle drawing.

Gary Greene, an area native who lives in Columbus, won the raffle.

Greene&squo;s history with the Tryon Youth Center goes back a long time, as he is a former member of the board of directors, having served while he was in high school just after the youth center was established.

&dquo;The winner is a young man who truly is a long time supporter of Tryon Youth Center,&dquo; the youth center&squo;s Franklin McKaig said. &dquo;His support goes back to his high school days when he was a student at Tryon High School and served as a youth member on the TYC board of directors.&dquo;

Greene now owns and operates Carolina Trailers in Campobello.

Greene chose the cash prize for the drawing.

Proceeds from the annual car raffle go to support the youth center, located on Hwy. 176 just outside Tryon.

&dquo;The economy is bad for everybody but many of you dug deep and bought tickets,&dquo; McKaig said. &dquo;We have the most faithful support group and this support means the difference in TYC&squo;s continuing to serve our youth and community at large.&dquo;