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Trump ‘Oasis’ winner picks up keys, begins adventure

Photo by Steven Dahlman

November 4, 2011 – (Above) Deborah Robertson, a staff assistant at the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, Maryland, is handed the key Friday morning to her new condo on the 35th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower. Robertson won the 1,000-square foot one-bedroom unit, part of a prize package worth $750,000, in HGTV’s “Urban Oasis” giveaway. She was selected at random in late October by designer Vern Yip (right) from nearly 14 million entries. Click on images to view larger versions.

Close to tears and followed by an HGTV camera crew, Robertson was given a guided tour of her new, fully furnished home – which includes dramatic views looking southeast toward Lake Michigan – from Yip, who did the unit’s interior design. HGTV describes the design as “an eclectic mix of period pieces and contemporary décor reflective of Chicago’s heart and soul.”

“Oh my god, it’s gorgeous. This is beautiful,” said Robertson. “I’ve never owned anything as beautiful.”

At a ceremony on the 89th floor of Trump Tower, Robertson, who says she will move to Chicago, was presented with the key to her condo after watching video of her on October 25 being told by Yip that she had won. The video will be part of an HGTV special aired on December 29.

The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture sponsored the sweepstakes.

Photo by Steven Dahlman (Left) Relaxing in her condo late Friday morning in front of artwork inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Robertson was the center of attention of local reporters.

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