Morrisville woman stops for groceries, bags a $25,000 A Year For Life prize

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RALEIGH (August 23, 2019) – For Cheryl Blanchette of Morrisville, a $25,000 A Year For Life prize means no more student loans.

“This is truly life-changing,” said Blanchette, who just graduated with her masters in communications. “I never planned to go back to school, but a few years ago I felt it was time for a career change. Now that I have this, it’s going to wipe the slate clean. To know that I can be debt free. I feel so grateful and blessed.” 

Blanchette’s good fortune happened when she stopped to get groceries at the Lowe’s Food on Brier Creek Parkway in Raleigh. While there, she bought a $2 Lucky For Life ticket for Thursday’s drawing. She checked the ticket early Friday morning.

“I scanned the ticket using the lottery app,” Blanchette said. “It told me I had a winning ticket, but of course you never think you won one of the top prizes. I checked the numbers myself and was in shock. I was like, ‘What is this? I think I just won.’ This is just amazing!”

Blanchette claimed her prize Friday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Winners are guaranteed $25,000 a year for life, but have the option of taking a lump sum of $390,000. Blanchette chose the lump sum option. After federal and state tax withholdings, she took home $275,925.   

Blanchette’s ticket matched the five white balls to win the prize. It beat odds of one in 1.8 million. Lucky for Life has 10 ways to win a prize. Blanchette won the second-place prize of $25,000 A Year For Life. The top prize is $1,000 A Day For Life.

Ticket sales from games like Lucky for Life made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $700 million a year for education. To learn how lottery funds made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties last year, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.  


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Stoughton resident wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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August 13, 2019 – Frank Sheehan Jr. of Stoughton is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize after the first five numbers on his Lucky for Life ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Monday, May 6.

Sheehan, who claimed his prize at the Massachusetts State Lottery’s Dorchester headquarters, chose to receive his prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (before taxes).  He purchased his winning Quic Pic ticket at Butts & Bets, 1213 North Main St. in Randolph.  The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale.

Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each.  Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday evening at 10:38 p.m. ET.

Grandfather gives granddaughter a prize that will last a lifetime

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RALEIGH – Kelly Thomas, 22, of Clemmons got the gift of a lifetime – $25,000 a year for life, for the rest of her life – from her grandfather, Peter Beckage after he bought a winning Lucky for Life ticket. Beckage, 85, who recently moved in with his daughter to be close to family, says Lucky for Life is one of his go-to games. He bought the winning ticket at Carlton’s Hampton Road Grocery in Clemmons on April 14th, after a Palm Sunday breakfast of pancakes with his granddaughter. “I knew if I ever won anything big, I would share it,” said Beckage. “I’m happy with the little wins, and I’m so happy this is a gift I can give to her.” Thomas, who will soon be attending UNC-Wilmington, plans to use her grandfather’s gift to pay for tuition, books and food as she studies to become an elementary school teacher. “To be able to focus on something I’m passionate about thanks to my grandpa is an amazing gift,” said Thomas. “I’ve always dreamed of being a Catholic school teacher and helping people. This money makes it possible for me.” Beckage stayed up late Monday night to check the drawing. “When I got all five, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I had a hard time getting back to sleep I was so excited.” The next morning at church, Beckage couldn’t focus on his prayers. He texted his daughter about his win and what he planned to do with the prize. They then waited together for his granddaughter to come home from volunteering. “Kelly, how would you like to have $25,000 a year for the rest of your life?” said Beckage as he greeted his granddaughter. “Oh my gosh Grandpa, did you win the lottery?” said Thomas. “I can’t believe it!” Thomas and her grandfather claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Raleigh Wednesday. Winners are guaranteed $25,000 a year for life and have the option of taking a lump sum of $390,000. Thomas chose the annuity and received her first annual payment. After federal and state tax withholdings, she took home $17,688. Lucky for Life has 10 ways to win a prize playing the game. This winning ticket beat the odds of one to 1.8 million to match all five white balls and win $25,000 A Year for Life. The top prize is $1,000 A Day for Life. Ticket sales from games like Lucky for Life made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $650 million a year for education. To learn how $9.6 million in lottery funds made a difference in Davidson County last year, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.

Ticket sold in Auburn wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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May 31, 2019 – John Tessier of Woonsocket, RI is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on his Quic Pic ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Monday, May 20. Tessier, who visited the Massachusetts State Lottery’s Dorchester headquarters to claim his prize, chose to receive his prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (less tax withholdings). He purchased his winning ticket at Auburn Park ‘n Shop, 711 Southbridge St. in Auburn. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale. Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m.

East Springfield resident wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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May 31, 2019 – Francisco Feliciano of East Springfield is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on his ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Thursday, May 30. Feliciano, who visited the Massachusetts State Lottery’s Dorchester headquarters to claim his prize, chose to receive his prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (less tax withholdings). He purchased his winning ticket at Lighthouse Liquors, 856 Memorial Drive in Chicopee. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale. Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m.

Ticket sold in Wakefield wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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May 20, 2019 – Amarjeet Makkar of Nashua, NH is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on his ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Monday, April 22. Makkar, who visited the Massachusetts State Lottery’s Dorchester headquarters to claim his prize, chose to receive his prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (less tax withholdings). He purchased his winning Quic Pic ticket at McGill’s Deli, 1317 Main St. in Wakefield. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale. Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m. ET.

Melrose resident wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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April 26, 2019 Alexander Wilson of Melrose is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on his ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Thursday, April 4.. Wilson chose the annuity option on his prize and received his first annual payment of $25,000 (less tax withholdings). He plans on using some of his winnings to fund his entries into the many ironman races in which he participates. He purchased his winning Quic Pic ticket at Garniss Market, 165 W. Emerson St. in Melrose. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale. Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m. ET.

Seekonk resident wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” Lucky for Life prize

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Matthew Sherlock of Seekonk is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life  game after the first five numbers on his ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Sherlock opted to receive his prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (less tax withholdings). He plans on using part of his winnings to buy a new motorcycle.

He purchased his winning ticket at Landry Liquors, 134 Central Ave in Seekonk. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale.

Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each and can be played in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m. ET.

‘Lucky’ Leominster resident wins “$25,000 a Year for Life” prize

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Yolande Leger of Leominster is the winner of a $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on her ticket matched those selected in the drawing that took place Monday, December 31, 2018.

Leger opted to receive her prize in the form of a one-time payment of $390,000 (less tax withholdings). She plans on investing part of her winnings to assist with her retirement.

She purchased her winning ticket at Turnout Variety, 636 Main St in Leominster. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale.

Lucky for Life tickets are $2 each and can be played in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:38 p.m. ET.

“I don’t have to work until I’m 80,” Wake County man says of lifetime prize

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John Ballard Jr. of Raleigh said a $25,000 A Year For Life prize is going to help him with retirement.

“I always thought I would have to be working until I’m at least 80,” said Ballard. “But now, with being able to invest this win, I don’t have to work until I’m 80 anymore! That’s awesome.”

Ballard bought the lucky $2 ticket for the Nov. 15 drawing at Lowes Food on Bass Lake Road in Holly Springs where he is a manager.

He claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the choice of getting $25,000 a year every year for the rest of his life or a lump sum of $390,000. He chose the lump sum and, after federal and state tax withholdings, took home $ 274,952.

“I’ve been playing the lottery for 20 or so years,” said Ballard. “But I have never won more than $25. I love Lucky For Life. I’m going to continue to tell everyone about this game.”

Players win the $25,000 A Year For Life prize by matching all five white balls. Ballard is the 18th player in North Carolina to claim the game’s second prize since the game started here in February 2016.

In all, there are 10 ways to win a prize playing Lucky For Life. The game’s top prize is $1,000 A Day For Life. So far, two North Carolinians have won the top prize.

Ticket sales from draw games make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $650 million a year for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.

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