LANSING, December 17, 2002 – An anonymous Monroe man received a great early holiday gift upon scratching off a Michigan Lottery "Wintertime Wishes" instant ticket to reveal a $500,000 top prize.

The lucky winner purchased the winning ticket at Food Town #6041, 211 N. Telegraph Road in Monroe.

"I scratched the ticket off while on a break at work," said the winner. "When I realized I had won a $500,000 prize, I was in shock!"

The happy winner said he kept the ticket locked in a fire-proof box prior to turning it in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing. He said he plans to use part of his winnings to pay bills and invest the rest for his upcoming retirement.

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

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