Maryland Lottery second-chance winners celebrate after participating in the Cash and Dash Shopping Spree in Chicago.
Diamond earrings, computer gaming equipment and household equipment were among the favorite items when winners from the Lottery’s Holiday Cash and Dash second-chance drawings converged on Chicago June 4-7 for 90 seconds of gathering free merchandise in a well-stocked warehouse.
In addition to the shopping spree, the trip for two included round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a tour of the city, $1,000 spending money and a welcome dinner.
The trip kicked off with dinner on Thursday at Michael Jordan’s Steak House, where the winners and their guests had time to get to know one another and catch up with folks they already knew. Winners Deborah Ford and Demetria Davis, both from Baltimore, live near each other and have been friends for years. Other winners were Kandis Davis from Upper Marlboro, Tim Goenner from Thurmont, Aileen Flanagan from Hereford and Lennie Stanton from Windsor Mill.
On Friday, the winners had the choice between two different tours, and they all chose the architecture fireboat river and lake tour. After the tour, the winners and their guests had the rest of the day to enjoy the windy city.
Bright and early Saturday morning, the group headed to the warehouse for the main event. Once there, they were greeted with a red-carpet entrance, energetic music and a cheering crowd. The group had 30 minutes to look through the warehouse and devise a strategy for securing the merchandise they liked best. Excitement grew as they each took a turn grabbing as much as they could during their 90-second runs.
“There was an unexpected sense of teamwork among the winners,” Lennie’s daughter Tori said. “People were sharing ideas, comparing shopping plans, helping each other navigate the aisles, and cheering one another on throughout the event.”
Favorite items included diamond earrings, an Apple® bundle, vacuums, printers and gaming systems. All merchandise will be shipped to the winners.
