Casey's Honors Local Celebrity With Pizza Party, Grand Prize Check

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Casey's General Stores announced Ray Sorensen II of Greenfield, Iowa, as the winner of the Casey's Famous People Contest following a three-month search for the best local celebrities. Sorensen, known as The Freedom Rock Artist, creates a yearly tribute to military heroes and their families through his murals on Iowa Highway 25's Freedom Rock.

In honor of his win, Casey's hosted a pizza party for Sorensen's hometown where more than 585 residents visited the store throughout the day for a free slice of pizza, the company said. Casey's also presented Sorensen with a $5,000 grand prize check during the party.

"The residents of Greenfield really came out to show their support for Ray and all he does for military veterans and their families," said Robert J. Myers, president and CEO of Casey's. "We were honored to have such an outstanding local celebrity enter the Casey's Famous People Contest, and we look forward to Ray's continued success."

Casey's Famous People Contest kicked off in July when the Ankeny, Iowa-based chain presented a community-wide call-to-action asking Facebook users to nominate local celebrities. More than 650 nominations were narrowed down to three finalists. "The Crazy Goat Lady was awarded second place, and "The Etch-A-Sketch Artist" won third place; both received a $500 runner-up prize.

Casey's owns and operates more than 1,700 convenience stores in 12 states.