ELKHART — Jack Boyd Smith Jr., president and owner of Elkhart based Gaska Tape Inc., expressed his appreciation to his employees Thursday, March 3, by awarding thousands of dollars in bonuses, a $6,000 island vacation and a brand new Chevy Equinox among workers who have been with the Elkhart foam and tape manufacturer for five years or more.

Smith handed the keys of a brand new Chevy Equinox to Sharon Hayes, a 38-year veteran at Gaska Tape, after she won the grand prize. This is the fourth vehicle Smith has given away.

Before the culmination of the vehicle give away employees alternated opening doors in a custom-made, 50-compartment mystery prize cabinet. Hayes was the second in a group of five who had keys and attempted to see if their key successfully turned the ignition.

“People may get paid for the hours they work. But I appreciate the quality of their service to this company,” says Smith. “So, we make sure we celebrate their dedication by hosting an employee appreciation day and taking some time out to give them a chance to win some cash, a dream vacation or a brand new car.”