Marie Simmons of Orchard Beach (right) was joined by her daughter Danette Bruning as she claimed a $100,000 prize on the Diamond 7s scratch-off game. |
Lucky lady takes home $100,000 Diamond 7s top prize
A 51-year-old Anne Arundel County woman is full of holiday cheer and birthday glee after winning $100,000 on the Diamond 7s scratch-off game on Saturday.
Before Marie Simmons began her shift at the Shoppers Food & Pharmacy at 8048 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena, she decided to try her luck by purchasing a few scratch-offs. She told Lottery officials she chose the Diamond 7s ticket because it is a new game.
Marie said she didn’t have any luck on the first two tickets she scratched, but the third one made her a big winner.
“I saw that I matched the winning number and I thought it was for $100,” she said. “But, as I continued to scratch the ticket, I saw more zeroes and more zeroes.”
In shock, Marie double checked the scratch-off at the scanner and received a message that said, “Cash at Lottery.” But instead of leaving for the day, Marie shared the news with family and some friends, placed the ticket in her pocket and then started her shift.
The prize could not have come at a better time for Marie. Christmas is right around the corner, but before that, her birthday arrives on Dec. 20. A $100,000 prize makes a wonderful gift.
“I’ve never owned my home and this money will go towards a new home,” she said with a smile.
Her daughter, Danette Bruning, who accompanied her mom to Lottery headquarters, said the family has always wanted to go to Disney World.
“I have three children and it will be great for all of us to finally go,” she said.
The Diamond 7’s scratch-off game launched Nov. 23, and four of its $100,000 top prizes are still waiting to be found at Lottery retailers, along with 14 $10,000 prizes and a host of other prizes ranging from $10 to $1,000.
The Shoppers on Ritchie Highway, where Marie works and purchased the tickets, is a winner as well. For selling the top-prize ticket, the store will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.