LIHUE — Joyce Vidinha’s friends have a lot of words to describe her.
Generous, spirited and fun are among them.
But there is one word they use most often.
Lucky.
“She’s always lucky,” said Julie Kim of her good friend.
The Lawai woman has won more than what most would call her fair share of prizes over the years, including a trip to Las Vegas and last year’s big travel package at the Kauai Lifeguard Association’s celebration.
Thursday, at the Kauai Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club sponsored by KLA, she outdid herself.
Lady Luck was with Vidinha again. And again. And again.
In a prize drawing, she won two nights stay at the Marriott in a deluxe suite. Since she bought 20 tickets, and hundreds were sold, the odds really weren’t too bad.
Then, came the drawing for a Maui weekend getaway for two that included airfare, hotel, dinner and brunch.
When the numbers of the winning ticket were read, Vidinha again raised her hand holding the red ticket, stood and walked to the main stage.
The crowd, some in disbelief that she claimed the second big prize, applauded.
Later came the drawing for three beautiful pictures, a package, by professional photographer Mike Coots.
The numbers were read for the winning ticket. Vidinha, seated at a back table, raised her hand, again.
No way, a few people said. Couldn’t be. Not a third time.
Yes way. Could be. A third time.
Vidinha walked to the stage, shaking her head, whispered something to the announcer, who told the crowd she was giving the photo package back so someone else could win it.
The crowd cheered.
A smiling Vidinha, surrounded by friends and family later, was asked if she’s always this lucky.
“I don’t think so, but people think so,” she said, laughing.
Friends, who joke about wishing Vidinha’s luck would rub off on them, say she is very lucky. In years past, she has shared her winnings, gifting friends and ohana who joined her on trips, dinners and tours.
“We’re going to go to New York with the trip I won last year,” she said.
Colleen Fayé, a relative, said Vidinha “always wins. Always. I mean, always.”
She and Marissa Fayé attributed her good fortune to her good karma, her joyful spirit and her generosity.
“She has a big heart. She always shares everything, ” Colleen Fayé said.
“And a fun spirit,” Marissa Fayé added.
Vidinha and Kim both work at First Hawaiian Bank. Kim said she rarely wins in prize drawings.
“I think I only won once,” Kim said.
Mark Perriello, chamber president, had this to say about Vidinha:
“Lucky is her super power.”
