Happy birthday to Shirley Ricks of Upper Marlboro, who claimed her $50,000 Get Rich scratch-off ticket just in time for her birthday celebration. |
Winner claims $50,000 Get Rich scratch-off prize
A $50,000 Maryland Lottery prize makes the perfect birthday present! Just ask Shirley Ricks of Upper Marlboro, who claimed her $50,000 Get Rich scratch-off prize just in time for her October birthday celebration.
The 60-year-old nurse from Upper Marlboro follows a routine when it comes to purchasing scratch-off tickets. “I should get scratch queen on my license plate,” Shirley said, laughing. Winning such a large prize, though, is anything but routine for the avid player and she decided to let her big prize marinate for several months.
Shirley typically picks up a few $10 and $20 scratch-off tickets when she gets off work and then heads home. Once there, she unwinds with a glass of wine and scratches her tickets. On the fateful August night that she found her fortune, the grandmother of four scratched off a $50,000 surprise.
“Not $50, not $500, oh my!” she said. “I was shocked and had to take a picture of the win.” She put the ticket away, but checked on it every day until she came to Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. “I waited to cash it because of work and because I wanted to save it for my birthday on Oct. 28,” she said, smiling.
Shirley said she will probably use some of the winnings for home improvements and for Christmas. She plans to continue her routine and told Lottery officials to keep watch because she hopes to be back in the Winners’ Lounge soon. Shirley bought her winning ticket at Marlboro Liquors located at 5725 Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro.