LANSING, October 6, 2002 – Donald Ross of Kalamazoo experienced a little Lottery luck after matching the first five numbers in the June 13 Mega Millions drawing to win a $175,000 prize!  That day’s winning numbers were: 12, 15, 16, 20, 51 and the Gold Mega Ball number was 33.

“I looked up the winning numbers on the Michigan Lottery’s Web site (www.michigan.gov/lottery) a couple months after the drawing,” said Ross.  “When I saw the winning numbers matched the first five numbers on my ticket I was completely shocked!  I kept checking the numbers over and over.  I immediately called a friend to come over and double check the ticket for me so I could be sure I had really won a $175,000 prize!”

The 38-year-old winner, who works as an aerospace technician for Parker Abex, purchased the winning “easy-pick” Mega Millions ticket at Paul’s Pantry, 1719 Miller Road, in Kalamazoo.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Ross said he kept it hidden on top of his microwave oven to ensure its safety.  The winner, who said he enjoys watching sporting events on television in his spare time, added that he plans to use part of his winnings to pay bills and share with his family.  He added that he plans to invest the remainder for the future.

Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in which the following states participate: Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 7,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.  The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday, October 7, with an estimated jackpot of $12 million.  For more information about Mega Millions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery or the Mega Millions Web site at www.megamillions.com.

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