LANSING, May 20, 2000 — Mark McVea of Saugatuck made the catch of the day when he matched the first five numbers in the May 5 Big Game drawing to reel in a $150,000 prize! That day’s winning numbers were: 6, 8, 16, 30, 32 and the Big Money Ball number was 26.

"Once I found out what the winning numbers were I just kept checking my ticket over and over," McVea said. "I didn’t believe I was a winner until I called the Lottery to verify I had a winning ticket!"

When not working on oil paintings, the 45-year-old winner said he enjoys playing Michigan Lottery games. He said he has been playing Lottery games for the past 10 years and he truly enjoys the wide variety of games offered. McVea purchased the winning Big Game "easy pick" ticket at Demonds Super Valu, 237 Center Street, in Douglas.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the Saugatuck man kept it in a "special spot" to ensure its safety.

The lucky man said he plans to use part of his winnings to purchase a new car and take a "deluxe fishing trip" to Hudson Bay in Canada. He added that he will likely invest the rest of his winnings.

The Big Game is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 6,400 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Big Game drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.

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