LANSING, March 28, 2002 – Patrick Ayres of Riverdale found the right combination of words on his Michigan Lottery "Cashword" instant ticket, and upon scratching off the ticket, they spelled instant wealth for him—Ayres won a $35,000 top prize!

The winning ticket was purchased at Wilson’s Grocery, 10673 Saint Charles Road, in Sumner.

"I wasn’t sure if I had won at first," Ayres said. "So I double-checked the ticket, then took it to the store where I purchased it. The store clerks confirmed it was a winner—they were surprised to see a top-prize winning ticket too!"

Ayres, 38, who works as a quality control inspector for Alma Products and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time, said he kept the winning ticket in his glove box before claiming his prize at the Lottery’s regional office in Lansing. Though he said he has no specific plans for his windfall at this time, there is no doubt he and his wife, Laura, will enjoy their newfound fortune!

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

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