Jennifer LeBaron, a nurse from Frederick, won a $40,000 prize in the $2 Million VaxCash Promotion.
Frontline worker claims prize from June 19 drawing
Lifelong Frederick resident Jennifer LeBaron is the latest winner to claim a $40,000 prize in the $2 Million VaxCash Promotion. The 24-year-old nurse, who was selected in the June 19 drawing, is still in disbelief about the win.
“It took me a few days to reply after receiving the initial call because I just didn’t believe it,” Jennifer told Lottery officials while claiming the prize on June 25. “Then, a co-worker of mine said it was the real thing and that I should call back.”
Since Jennifer works at a hospital, she received her vaccination earlier this year. Throughout the pandemic, she has seen firsthand the effects COVID-19 has had on people.
“I chose to get vaccinated to protect those with compromised immune systems and older people,” said Jennifer. “I didn’t really do it for myself. I was thinking about other people.”
The $40,000 prize came at the perfect time. The winner and her fiancé are in the process of planning a wedding. The lucky winner said she would also like to donate some of her winnings, and save for a vacation.
Two other VaxCash Promotion winners, who chose to remain anonymous, also claimed their prizes on June 25: the June 13 winner from Harford County and the June 20 winner from Prince George’s County.
The VaxCash Promotion, announced by Governor Larry Hogan on May 20, is a collaboration of the Maryland Lottery and the Maryland Department of Health, aimed at incentivizing Marylanders who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccinations while rewarding those who have. All Maryland residents 18 and older who have received a COVID-19 shot at a non-Federal facility in Maryland at any time are automatically entered into daily drawings being held from May 25 through July 4. Beginning with the June 27 drawing, any Maryland resident 18 or older who was vaccinated at a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility located in Maryland is also eligible.
Each day through July 3, one winner will receive a $40,000 prize, and the promotion culminates on the Fourth of July when one winner will receive a $400,000 prize.
