“Family First,” a Maryland Lottery enthusiast from Halethorpe, picked up a $2 million top-prize Fire scratch-off.
A man from Halethorpe who works in the aviation industry has decidedly down-to-earth plans for the $2 million prize he claimed May 7 on the Maryland Lottery’s new Fire scratch-off ticket.
“I’ve got some family to help out,” he said after claiming the first top prize on the $30 game. “The most important thing is family.” He is using the nickname “Family First” to tell the tale of his win.
A Maryland resident for years who has put down local roots, he has immediate family in Maryland and also in other states who could use a little boost. To that end, he started talking with people knowledgeable about finance about options for investment in a way that will maximize the benefit to his relatives.
“Everybody wants to retire,” he said, but added he has a good job, so he’ll continue to buy scratch-offs, get his coffee and “maybe get another blessing.”
Asked about more detailed plans, like possibly organizing a celebration, he said he wasn’t really able to focus on that.
“I’m still floating!”
He purchased the $2 million winner at 7-Eleven, 1001 Aviation Boulevard, near Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The shop receives a bonus of $2,000.
The game Fire went on sale April 21 with three $2 million top prizes in the mix, so this win leaves two of those unclaimed. In addition, the ticket has five prizes at the $50,000 level, another five at the $10,000 level and thousands more ranging from $30 to $5,000.
