PawSox Star Surprises Roche Brothers Shopper from Stoughton with Free Vacation

Mary DeGrande was just looking to get her granddaughter a summer treat Thursday morning.

Instead, she was rewarded with a treat of her own.

The 37-year Stoughton resident said she always goes to Roche Brothers in Easton, just over Stoughton line. But Thursday, her routine trip turned into an exciting surprise.

While buying a container of Hood ice cream for her granddaughter Madison - a 6th grader at O'Donnell Middle School in Stoughton - Pawtucket Red Sox first baseman Lars Anderson appeared from the store's back rooms to reward her with a free trip to Cape Cod.

"I’ve never won anything," she said. "$2 on a scratch ticket. That’s about it."

Thanks to a Hood Ice Cream promotion, DeGrande won a free stay at Cape Cod Resort and Spa in Hyannis. The package included a whale watch pass for two, a gift card to Body Sense Day Spa, and dinner at the Cape Codder.

DeGrande said she loves Cape Cod but is rarely able to make the trip in the summer time.

"In the summer, you have to rent for two nights, you know, it’s expensive and I’m on a fixed income," she said.

She said she was excited to see Anderson surprise her. Her husband and sons are huge Red Sox fans.

Anderson was just as excited to present the prize.

"Cape Cod in the summer," he said. "That's a beautiful thing."

Hood was celebrating it's "New England Creamery Weekend Getaway Contest," which rewarded five New England residents with similar trips.

DeGrande was chosen randomly while shopping in the ice cream isle.