LANSING, August 22, 2002 – Richard Frazee of Portland brought home a pile of dough after matching the first five numbers in the August 20 Mega Millions drawing, winning him a $175,000 prize. That day’s winning numbers were: 2, 13, 20, 23, 43 and the Gold Mega Ball number was 6.

"I picked up a Lottery winning number report from the store where I bought the ticket," Frazee said. "When I saw that the numbers on the report matched the first five on my ticket I was in total disbelief! I knew immediately that I had won a $175,000 prize, but I was still shocked and surprised!"

The 53-year-old winner purchased the winning Mega Millions "easy pick" ticket at Westside Grocery, 751 W. Grand River Ave., in Portland. Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the lucky man said he kept it on top of his refrigerator to ensure its safety.

Frazee said he plans to use part of his winnings to make home improvements and invest the rest for his upcoming retirement. The winner offered the following words of encouragement to other Lottery hopefuls: "Just keep playing – If I can win then anyone can win!"

The last Big Game drawing took place on Tuesday, May 14, 2002. On Wednesday, May 15, 2002, The Big Game was replaced by Mega Millions. Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 7,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, August 23, with an estimated jackpot of $90 million. For more information about Mega Millions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery or the Mega Millions Web site at www.megamillions.com.

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