When Geoff Edwards passed away, I posted a short compilation of clips to honor my friend and colleague. When the clip about a lady who went crazy after winning was included in the video, I would have no idea what would happen next. Debbie Speed is that "crazy lady's" daughter and she was overjoyed when she spotted her Mom in that clip. She contacted me and we began chatting. I told Debbie that her Mom, Deloris Marler, was chosen because out of all of the clips we had from "The New Treasure Hunt", her reaction to Geoff was so pure and honest. A really great contestant.
I am happy to report Deloris is now 77 years old and she was gracious enough to give us a little insight about her experience as a "New Treasure Hunt" contestant. I think you'll find her story very interesting. Thank you Deloris and Debbie for sharing this with us! - The Winker
"Confessions of a Game Show Contestant" by Deloris Marler
My friends were all going to see a taping of a new show called, "The New Treasure Hunt" and asked me if I wanted to join. I said I would love to. On the way there, my friends said even if they got picked, they wouldn't win. But I said I WAS GOING TO WIN!
I was so excited, and a little bit nervous when I thought of what it would be like to go onstage. But as soon as I opened my box and saw I had a number, I ran onstage forgetting all about the TV cameras were rolling.
Geoff Edwards was so nice and he put me at ease. As you'll see in the clip, I risked the money and thought I had been Klunked. I was sad, but I tried not to show it. As I was walking back to my seat, Geoff called me back on to the stage and began to tell me I had actually won a great prize. I couldn't believe it! Then he started counting out the money in my hand. Those tears are real!
I think it was a miracle of God that I got to be on the show. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity "The New Treasure Hunt" gave me and my family. Winning close to $8,000 in cash and prizes in 1973 was a big deal...it's roughly the equivalent to winning over $40,000 today.
I ended up taking cash for the car and golf clubs and it allowed us to pay off all of our bills and move from California to Kentucky, where we eventually opened the first health food store in a 200 mile radius. The store moved to a larger town after a short time, and our grandson (coincidentally named Geoff) now manages the store forty years after that first store opened. Just think, it really started with "The New Treasure Hunt!"
I wonder how many other lives were touched by appearing on this show or other game shows? Maybe some of the people that read this will have a story to tell, too. I think it would be exciting to hear their stories! Thank you Wink for bringing this clip to me and my family and for allowing me to share this story. I really had a lot of fun reliving that time and reminiscing. Deloris Marler