What a week it has been. It is officially now one full week since the R-Phils opened FirstEnergy Stadium on April 14, 2011. The night was one for the ages. Fans flocked to the ballpark to see the AWESOME offseason stadium renovations, as well as the opportunity to win a Life-Size Ryan Howard Garden Gnome.

One lucky fan won the life-sized collectible, and earlier today, that fan received the Reading Phillies giveaway– the 550 pound Ryan Howard Garden Gnome — what a masterpiece!

Amy Vandehei of Rosemont, PA, waited patiently at her house today for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The giveaway, which was sponsored by Fromm Electric, made it to Amy’s house at 2:00 PM on Thursday in front of family and friends. It was well-receieved by all today!

As Amy waited for the Fromm Electric truck, as well as some Reading Phillies employees to deliver the gnome, she prepared a spot in her yard for the “Gnome’s Home”.  The spot, which also had two other Ryan Howard Graden Gnomes (last year’s version and this year’s version #2), looked perfect for any Phillies fan. “Gnome Sweet Gnome”.

Amy received some media attention from all of this as well. WFMZ was on-hand to talk to Amy about her new collectible. WFMZ’s Melissa Fullerton talked to Amy, and that interview aired earlier tonight on both the 5:30 and 6:00 news. Video of that can be found here.

I was also there today to represent the R-Phils. I’m glad I was there. It was truly a great day, seeing how happy Amy was when we delivered it. It’s great to be able to do something like this. Only at the Reading Phillies!

Here are a few photos of Amy and her new best friend. Once again congratulations to Amy. We here at the Reading Phillies are happy that Amy, along with her family, will get to enjoy this great giveaway!