Windfall welcome as family struggles to recover from COVID-19 shutdown
Playing scratch-offs, which had been a weekly diversion from hard times for a Carroll County couple, led to a big win that is giving the parents of two a chance to turn their fortunes around. The Sykesville residents won a $100,000 top prize on a $100,000 Extreme Cash instant ticket.
“It was a great time to hit. It was much needed,” said the husband after they claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the two struggled. Both work in the service industry. While he was able to retain employment, the wife lost her job. The lone luxury the couple allowed themselves was the purchase of a scratch-off.
Last week, they selected the $30 $100,000 Extreme Cash game. Following their routine, they took the instant ticket home and scratched it off at the kitchen table. Sitting across from her husband as he played the game, the wife’s perspective had her looking at the scratch-off upside down. The wife took notice when he revealed an “auto-win” coin. They’ve occasionally won relatively small amounts, so a small prize was what they both expected.
“I just saw the $100 – and tears,” the wife recalled, a quaver in her voice.
“We didn’t think you could fit that many zeros in such a small space,” he said.
“We’re hoping this is a lift for us after the pandemic and hard times,” she said, adding, “It means so much.”
The windfall will give them the ability to put money into savings for a house and purchase an inexpensive but reliable used car for their daughter.
“She is starting an internship, and we didn’t know how we were going to do it with just one car,” the wife said. Still overwhelmed by their good luck, she added: “Even today, we still don’t believe it.”
Sharing in the family’s good fortune is Royal Farms #174 at 1261 Liberty Road in Sykesville. The Carroll County retailer receives a $1,000 bonus for selling a top-prize winning scratch-off at the $100,000 level.
The $100,000 Extreme Cash game is still packed with prizes, including 33 more $100,000 top prizes! The game offers 44 chances to win.
