LANSING, March 22, 2002 – Sharon Budnik of Manistee is glad she decided to pick up a newspaper one morning on her way to work, because at the same time she also purchased a Michigan Lottery "Blazing Red 7s" instant ticket that was worth $17,000!

The lucky ticket was purchased at Wesco #33, 75 Cypress St., in Manistee.

"It was a total surprise when I scratched off the ticket and saw it was a winner," Budnik said. "I didn’t tell anyone for several hours because I needed to calm down and let it sink in that I had just won $17,000!"

The lucky lady, who works as an aqua therapist at West Shore Medical Center, was in her car when she scratched the ticket. She kept the ticket in a safety deposit box for three weeks before claiming her prize at one of the Lottery’s bank claim centers in Northern Michigan.

Though she said she has no specific plans for her winnings, Budnik said a vacation could be a possibility. Whatever she and her husband, Tom, decide to do with their winnings, there is no doubt they will enjoy their windfall!

"Blazing Red 7s" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant games available at more than 9,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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