LANSING, March 24, 1999 – Carmelia Scales of Detroit can now take the trip of her dreams thanks to her recent $100,000 top prize win in the Michigan Lottery’s Cash 5 game!

"I have always wanted to visit Europe and Italy," Scales said.  "Now I have the money to take the vacation of my dreams!"

The 55-year-old winner matched all five numbers – 1, 12, 16, 29 and 39 – in the March 11 drawing.  The winning ticket was purchased at Liquor Castle, 4233 Joy Road, in Detroit.

"I saw the winning numbers in the newspaper three or four days after the drawing," Scales said.  "I couldn’t believe what I saw!  I had to have my daughter and grandson verify that I had actually matched all five numbers.  I was completely shocked and surprised!"

The lucky winner said she has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 26 years, and she thoroughly enjoys all of the games the Lottery offers.  Scales added that she almost always randomly chooses her own numbers.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the medical technologist at the Detroit Department of Public Health placed it in a drawer in her house "that her granddaughters can’t open!"  

In addition to taking her dream vacation, Scales said she also plans on using her winnings to purchase a new car and make a down payment on a new home.

The lucky lady, who enjoys reading, sewing, sketching and painting in her free time, offered the following advice for other Lottery hopefuls: "When you get a hunch just go with it – no second thoughts!  Don’t hesitate!"

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.

# # #