LANSING, March 9, 2000 — Life recently became a little sweeter for a lucky Oak Park woman after she scratched off a Michigan Lottery "Life In The Cash Lane" instant ticket to reveal she had won a $250,000 top prize!

"I scratched the ticket off while I was still at the store," the winner said. "I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! I have never won a prize this big. I haven’t been able to sleep since I scratched the ticket off, and I still can’t believe I actually won!"

The winner, who requested anonymity, said she has been playing Lottery games for the past 20 years and her favorites are Michigan Lotto, The Big Game, the Daily 4 game and, of course, the instant games!

The winning ticket was purchased at Metro Liquor Market, 36547 Goddard Road, in Romulus. Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the self-described jewelry collector said she kept it in her purse to ensure its safety.

The lucky lady said she plans to use her winnings to purchase a new home. She said she was thrilled to have won a Lottery prize, and encourages other Lottery hopefuls to "keep playing!"

"Life In The Cash Lane" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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