Pick 5 Prize to Finance Overdue Homecoming for Player’s Family

Montgomery County resident wins $50,000 on $1 quick-pick ticket

Being separated from his family during the Covid-19 pandemic was extremely challenging, said a Silver Spring man, who is a loyal Lottery player. Those days will soon end because he plans to spend part of his $50,000 Pick 5 prize to bring them home from abroad.

His lucky win came on March 28 and he wasted no time claiming his prize. As part of his routine, the 66-year-old accountant took a work break that day to visit Glenmont Sunoco in Silver Spring to play his favorite Lottery games. Included in his purchase was a Pick 5 quick-pick ticket for that evening’s drawing. He placed a $1 straight bet on the numbers 85420, returned to work and checked his ticket that evening. Amazingly, it was a match.

“I checked the numbers using the app first, then I scanned it,” said the Montgomery County resident. “I was very surprised when I saw it was a $50,000 winner.”

The married father and grandfather immediately called his family members, who live out of the country, to share his exciting news. The winner also lived abroad, but came back to the United States right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Unfortunately, he was separated from his family who then could not return.

“I’m bringing them home,” he told Lottery officials when claiming his prize. “That’s what I plan to do with the winnings.” The winner said he will save whatever amount is left.

He is no stranger to winning a big Lottery prize, although it’s been a long time. He told Lottery officials that he played Powerball for the first time 30 years ago in Washington D.C. and won $100,000.

His Montgomery County Lottery retailer is celebrating, too. The Glenmont Sunoco at 12321 Georgia Avenue will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for its role in selling a $50,000-winning Pick 5 ticket.