LANSING, December 6, 2000 — Dionne Dupre of Detroit got an early holiday gift when she scratched off a Michigan Lottery “Happy Holidays” instant game ticket to reveal she had won a $250,000 top prize!

“I scratched the ticket off at the store right after I bought it,” Dupre said. “I was completely shocked and very nervous when I looked at the ticket and realized I had won $250,000!”

The winner, who enjoys collecting coins and listening to music in her free time, said she has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 20 years. She added that the instant games are her favorites.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Dupre said she kept it locked in a safe.

The winning ticket was purchased at Uptown Book Store #1, 16541 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. The lucky lady said she plans to share part of her winnings with a friend and use the rest to pay bills, buy a house and make investments.

“Happy Holidays” is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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