Glen Burnie Couple Claims $2 Million Second-Tier Powerball Prize
A forgotten jar of jelly set a life-changing series of events into action this past weekend. Saturday morning, Susi and Kevin Rafferty realized that they had neglected to buy the jelly that their daughter had requested. When they stopped to pick up a jar at their favorite Lottery retailer, they also bought one Powerball ticket with the Power Play option. “The owner of the store kept telling me to get the Power Play,” said Kevin. “Thanks to him, we have that extra zero.”
When store owner Yonas Chere learned that he had sold the $2 million ticket, he said, “I try to explain the Power Play to my customers.” He continued, “It’s cool that Kevin won. He deserves it.”
It was on Sunday morning that Kevin discovered their good fortune when he checked the ticket online. “I thought it was $200,000, then I saw that 10X,” said the 48-year-old. When he yelled the news to his wife, she responded with “that’s not even funny.” She added with a chuckle, “He likes to joke around.”
The happy twosome hid the ticket in a Bible, didn’t tell a soul and didn’t leave the house until coming to Lottery Headquarters to claim their win. After digesting the news of their newfound wealth, they also began making plans. “We’ve been planning to move to the beach for some time,” said Susi. “This makes it much easier.” Both Susi, who is a real estate professional and Kevin, who works in radio promotions and sales, intend to retire. “I love my job,” said Susie. “But, I love my life a little better.
Besides “headin’ to the beach” the Rafferty’s will donate 10% of their winnings to charity and invest. They will also reward their daughter, the reason for their win, with a car. “It was all because of the jelly,” said the delighted Rafferty’s.
The $2 million winning ticket was purchased at Pop Grocery & Deli, located at 7459 Furnace Brand Rd. in Glen Burnie. The store will receive a $2,500 commission for selling the winning ticket.
Powerball’s Power Play option typically offers the chance to multiply non-jackpot wins two, three, four or five times. During a limited-time promotion, a 10-time multiplier was added. With the 10-time multiplier coming out on Saturday, this special promotion has come to an end. But, those who play the Power Play option still have the chance to win up to five times the regular prize amount.