Thanksgiving Day Grocery Run Leads to Lottery Fortune

Rosedale retiree claims $50,000 top prize on Power 5s scratch-off

On Thanksgiving Day, a Baltimore County woman suddenly realized her macaroni and cheese casserole was missing a main ingredient — cheese! She zipped over to Giant #197 in Nottingham and, while there, sensed Lottery luck in the air.

The 74-year-old spotted the Power 5s instant ticket, which was new to her, and bought two of the $5 games along with the much-needed cheese. Like a mouse to a trap, she followed her senses all the way to a $50,000 top-prize win.

The Rosedale resident began scratching the instant tickets immediately and won $10 on the first scratch-off. Absolute disbelief set in as she scratched her second instant ticket, revealing a $50,000 fortune.

“You have got to be kidding me,” the happy winner said to herself. “What a gift!”

Her big win comes just in time for the holidays. The lucky lady, who has a family member with a lingering debt, was just thinking it would be nice if she could pay the debt off for the person, she said. Other than helping that family member, the retired state employee said she has no other plans yet for her winnings.

Giant #197 located at 7944 Honeygo Boulevard will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for its role in selling a top-prize winning scratch-off of $50,000. The Power 5s game went on sale Nov. 15 with eight top prizes. Our lucky winner found the first top prize in the game.