BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
‘Come on down!?
Mention that phrase to just about anyone and the ‘Price is Right? instantly comes to mind. When John Toomey heard those words it was a dream come true.
Toomey, of Clarkston, was a contestant on the CBS daily game show on Jan. 14 while in California for his 21st birthday. The show aired Feb. 12 to an eager group of family and friends at OverTyme Bar and Grill in Waterford.
‘It’s the highlight of a lifetime,? Kathleen Swilley, Toomey’s mom, said. ‘It’s a dream. He’s been watching since he was little.?
An avid fan since he was young, Toomey videotaped each episode daily. In June 2003 he received tickets for a taping of the show. When he arrived with his mother, they found out the show had been cancelled as well as his chances of appearing on stage.
Hoping for better luck, Toomey’s mother requested tickets again and received them for January. Together with his mother and sister Julie, Toomey gave it one more shot. After not making the cut for the first day they showed up, the family showed up at 4 a.m. the next morning and made it in.
Toomey made it though the interview process with producers by impressing them with his extensive knowledge of the show’s history. Once inside, he heard his name and that famous phrase.
‘I’ve been waiting for those words for forever,? Toomey said.
Toomey correctly guessed the price of a $750 clock, winning $500 for the bid. He joined Bob Barker to play ‘Pass the Buck?. His excitement grew as he found the prize he was playing for was a Dodge Neon.
Although he didn’t win the car, Toomey did win $3,000 from his game and made it the ‘Showcase Showdown? after spinning the infamous wheel. Being up on stage allowed him to spend time with Barker, a treat for Toomey.
‘He’s very, very nice,? Toomey said. ‘He’s young for an 80-year-old.? He even impressed Barker with his knowledge of the show’s history, including the original air date of the first episode.
While Toomey didn’t win his dining room/spa package, the experience of being on the show was a great prize. While on stage, the entire audience cheered him on with each game.
‘When we went out afterward on Hollywood Boulevard, people would come up to me and say, ‘Hi, John!??, Toomey said of his celebrity status.
Back in Michigan, Toomey kept the results of the taping a secret, waiting for the episode to air.
‘When I found out, I was really excited,? Colleen Miele, Toomey’s aunt, said. ‘I knew this was what he always wanted to do.?
Another birthday celebration was held at OverTyme for family and friends to watch Toomey run down the aisles to the stage. Even his co-workers at Target made sure all the TVs in the electronics department were tuned in to the show.
‘For him to get on that show is like winning the lotto for us,? Michelle Swilley, Toomey’s stepsister who drove in from Troy for the event, said.
Toomey plans on saving or possibly investing his winnings from the show. He even has plans for one more shot at game-show fame.
‘I’d like to go on ‘Wheel of Fortune?,? Toomey said. ‘But that’s all.?