The “Cooking Queen” of Baltimore whipped up a top-prize win.
The memory of a beloved friend inspired a Baltimore woman’s choice of Bonus Match 5 numbers that led to a $50,000 top-prize win in the July 26 drawing.
Her eyes flooded with bittersweet tears of joy and sorrow as the winner, who goes by the nickname “Cooking Queen,” told Lottery officials about her big win. In tribute to their wonderful friendship, the winner has played a string of numbers twice weekly for each year since her friend died.
The 70-year-old discovered her top-prize win while visiting with a neighbor last week. The neighbor recognized her lucky numbers as the winning digits drawn and alerted “Cooking Queen” to check her $2 ticket. At first, “Cooking Queen” assumed she would receive a small prize. She was surprised to discover her tribute brought home a $50,000 payout!
The lucky lady, who loves to cook and dance, plans to save most of her prize. She also plans to share a portion of the windfall with those in need. This includes family members with specific needs like education and auto costs as well as good friend’s family.
The happy winner bought her ticket at Mall Spirits located at 6630 Reisterstown Road in Baltimore. For selling a top-prize ticket in the game, the lucky retailer earns a $500 bonus from the Lottery.