The Vintage Patio and indoor restaurant was filled with Drew Daniel supporters on Tuesday night as the Graham High School graduate competed for the top prize on “Big Brother 5.” Customers at the Vintage have been following Daniel’s progress during the series.
Drew beats Cowboy: Graham High School grad wins $500,000 on reality TV show
"I am so overjoyed right now," said Drew Daniel of Urbana, after winning $500,000 on Big Brother 5 on CBS Tuesday night.
Daniel, a graduate of Graham High School, was one of the two finalists on the reality television show which aired during a span of more than 80 days during the season.
A group of fans and former classmates gathered at the Vintage Roadside Cafe in Urbana, which aired the live telecast for customers Tuesday night, both inside and outside of the restaurant.
When the final vote was in, the cafe was filled with applause and screams of joy.
"He won," one fan said.
"I can't believe he did it," screamed another.
"It's awesome," said the Litwiller family of Northridge.
"We've watched this for 13 weeks," said Terry Litwiller. "He (Daniel) was just very respectable."
"He did it in an honorable way," said Melissa Litwiller.
Mrs. Litwiller used to work with an ex-girlfriend of Daniel. She said that person's name is Vanessa, and that she is the one who gave Daniel the Goonies t-shirt which was destroyed by house guest Diane during one of the episodes of Big Brother 5.
The Litwillers were there with their two children, Amiee and Anthony, who have also watched the show with their parents and friends.
"He'll probably just pay off some bills," Anthony said of Daniel and his winnings.
A group of Graham graduates gathered to watch the show.
"When you go to school with someone, you (wouldn't)
vote against them," one classmate said.
"I think we're happy for him," said Dave Uhl of St. Paris. "You're kind of surprised, but not really surprised."
Uhl, although older than Daniel, wrestled with him and his twin brother, Ben, for the Falcons.
When asked if he thought Daniel's television exposure will lead to more offers, Uhl said, "I would think so."
Although he won, Daniel's opponent Michael Ellis, aka "Cowboy," didn't go down without a fight for votes.
In the end, four members of the jury voted for Daniel while three gave their votes to Ellis.
Those voting for Daniel were: Diane, Karen, Will and Marvin. Those voting for Cowboy were: Natalie, Adria and Nakomis.
Daniel was greeted by his parents, Ted and Janet Daniel, and his brother outside of the Big Brother house on the air Tuesday night.
Daniel and all the house guests from the show will be on a live "House Calls" on www.cbs.com today at 2 p.m. called "The Town Hall Meeting."
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