LANSING, February 25, 1999 – James Gregory of Clinton Township took a break at work and caught an even bigger break – a $100,000 Michigan Lottery prize!

Gregory matched all five numbers — 11, 13, 15, 30 and 37 — in the February 11 Cash 5 drawing to win the game’s top prize!

"I bought the ticket after work just before the cut-off time for the drawing," Gregory said.  "I checked my numbers the next day while on break at work.  I just about had a heart attack when I saw that I had matched all five! I even had one of my co-workers double-check the ticket to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.  I was so nervous I couldn’t concentrate on working.  My boss was nice enough to let me have the rest of the day off!"

The hi-lo driver at Novi Industries in Novi said he has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 20 years.  He said he plays his own numbers on Cash 5.  They have special significance to him as they represent the ages of family members.  The winning ticket was purchased at Liquor Depot No. 6, Inc., 26127 Novi Road, in Novi.

Prior to collecting his prize at Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the 38-year-old winner put the winning ticket in a safe deposit box.  He said he plans to use his winnings to make a down payment on a new home.

"This money couldn’t have come into our lives at a better time," Gregory said.

The remote-control airplane enthusiast offered the following advice for other Lottery hopefuls: "Good luck!  Keep playing until you hit – be a believer! I am!"

Cash 5 drawings are conducted every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Odds to win the $100,000 top prize are one in 575,757.  Tickets are available at more than 6,400 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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