LANSING, March 21, 2002 – The luck of the Irish was clearly with Teresa Schmidt of Orion Township this past St. Patrick’s Day weekend! Schmidt found a pot of gold waiting for her upon scratching off a Michigan Lottery "Rainbow Riches" instant ticket to reveal a $17,000 top prize.

The winning "Rainbow Riches" ticket was purchased at Clark #2151, 1225 S. Lapeer Road, in Oxford.

The lucky 38-year-old, who works at Always Christmas, has only been playing the Lottery’s instant games for the past couple years, so she was pleasantly surprised to win such a large prize.

"When I scratched off the ticket and saw the prize amount, I didn’t believe it!" Schmidt said. "I had to keep checking it to make sure I was seeing the ticket correctly, and that I had actually won the top prize!"

Schmidt said she kept the ticket hidden in her purse until claiming her prize at the Lottery’s regional office in Sterling Heights. Though she has no specific plans for her winnings at this time, it is certain she will enjoy her newfound fortune!

"Rainbow Riches" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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