Just as summer really started to heat up, Patch’s Florida sites got together to treat readers to a five-week contest to make having fun a little easier – and a whole lot more affordable.

We asked readers to sound off in order to win gift cards to offset the costs of buying gas, groceries, clothing, auto repairs and vacationing. One random winner was selected during each week of the contest.

Here are the winners:

Week 1 - $100 Gas Gift Card

Ron Reagan, Largo Patch

"I sing with a small group, the FunTime Singers, and we perform at senior facilities, for free. The $100 will help pay for music, supplies, transportation costs, things like that. It will come in very handy."

Week 2 - $100 Clothing Gift Card

Shannon Custin, Carrollwood-Northdale Patch

"Well, since my daughter has had a tremendous, unexpected growth spurt this summer, I think I will be using the prize money for back to school shopping!"

Week 3 - $100 Grocery Gift Card

Joyce Kwasiborski, Gulfport Patch

"Being a single Mom on disability (said disablity becomes increasingly worse every day,) all of my money goes into paying for my medications.   I am unable to get several meds because I am in "the donut hole" and now must pay for them.  One antidepressant is $800.00 per month!, almost my entire check.  I also take other medications - they are my priority.  So, every month, I go through the stress of wondering how I am going to get my medications for the following month - a very stressful thing to have facing you every week, week in; week out."

Week 4 - $100 Gift Card for Auto Repairs, Other Expenses 

Kris Madley, Land O' Lakes Patch

"Two things come to mind.  I teach at a local elementary school, so I may use it for my classroom.  I would also like to enjoy a nice night out with my wife.  Or a combination of both."

Week 5 - $500 Grand Prize

Rebecca Wellborn, Sarasota Patch

“I am going to use the money to convert a section of my front lawn into a Florida Friendly native landscape.”

While there were only five gift card winners, everyone who participated is a winner in our book! Thank you all for sharing your great ideas for stretching summer budgets and making vacation time more enjoyable.