The syndicated game show “Wheel of Fortune” and ABC Action News (WFTS, Channel 28) gave away $25,000 to local viewers this week.

Christine Alder of Clearwater gets a big check for $5,000.

On Monday , Mary Rodriguez of Tampa won the $5K Every Day giveaway. She got a knock on the door by the game show’s silver-sparkled “spokeswedge” to receive the $5,000. “I’ve never won anything before,” Mary said. “We are big ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans, and this is very special.” 

Mary, who recently retired from her position as coordinator for the continuing education department at Hillsborough Community College, plans on using her winnings to go on vacation with her husband, Jose. 

“We really like to travel, and we would like to go to Cincinnati to visit our son, and whatever we have left over, use it to go to Yellowstone National Park,” she said. 

On Tuesday night, Christine Alder, a Clearwater resident, became $5,000 richer. The retired General Motors employee had no idea she would win and all she could do was dream and hope, she said.

“I said, ‘It’s not going to happen,’ ” Christine said.  “But the odds have to be better than the lottery because I’ve been playing the lottery for so long, so many years.” A lifelong fan of “Wheel of Fortune,” she already has plans for the money. “All I kept thinking about was a new washer and drier,” she said. “Then I got to thinking later that my granddaughter’s commencement from college is in December.” 

Mary and Jose have plans for the $5,000.

Linda Tyler of Forrest Hills was the $5,000 winner on Wednesday night. She registered with WFTS, watched “Wheel of Fortune” and knew the WFTS designated puzzle when a sweepstakes representative called.

“I thought it was a joke at first,” Linda said.  “I had told my daughter and some of her friends that it was a joke, but she assured me it wasn’t when they called.”

Linda, who is a cafeteria worker at Mulrennan Middle School, added that the big win couldn’t have come at a better time. 

“I’m going to brag at work,” she laughed.  Linda plans on using the money to buy Christmas presents for her grandchildren and to remodel a spare bedroom. 

Betty Stern became $5,000 richer on Thursday night.  The Palm Harbor resident was the fourth winner.

“I can’t even explain how it feels,” Betty said.  “I’ve never won anything before.  It was very exciting.  I watch the show all the time.  It was wonderful.”

Betty, who is a Sony Card holder and a Wheel Watchers Club member, plans on using the money to help her children with their expenses, she said. 

Her husband, Richard also has plans for the money.  “He said he is going to take me to the flea market and get me something nice,” she chuckled. 

James Farrell became $5,000 richer when he became the fifth and final winner.  “I was shocked, I couldn’t believe that I was the winner,” James, 41, said.  “I couldn’t believe it happened to me.” 

James, who works at a fast-food restaurant, is a lifelong fan of “Wheel of Fortune. ” He plans on using his winnings to pay bills and take a trip to Disney World with friends