(WWJ) A Macomb County woman's emotions ran wild last month when she found out she won a lottery jackpot.
The Michigan Lottery says 58-yesr-old Helen Davlantes of Sterling Heights won $25,000 a year for life when her Lucky For Life ticket matched the five white balls drawn on May 16: 12-19-34-39-45.
She bought her winning ticket at the Shell gas station at 11541 East 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
“My husband and I typically play other Lottery games, but every once in a while, we will buy a Lucky for Life ticket,” said Davlantes, according to a news release from the Lottery. “I got home from walking our dog and my husband held up our ticket and said: ‘I think we just won big!’ I looked at the ticket and the winning numbers, and my whole body started tingling. It was such a mix of emotions from excitement to utter disbelief!
“I called the Lottery the next day, and it wasn’t until the Lottery employee came back on the line and congratulated me on winning $25,000 a year for life that it started to really sink in," she said.
Davlantes visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim her prize, choosing annuity payments of $25,000 a year for 20 years or life (whichever is greater) rather a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000.
She plans to save her winnings for retirement.
The Michigan Lottery says Lucky For Life has been exceptionally lucky for Lottery players this year, with players winning the big prize nine times so far in 2024. (Find a list of all the winners at this link.)
Tickets, for $2 each, are sold at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com.
Remember: Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Facing a gambling problem can be overwhelming, and people who get in over their heads can feel like there is no way out. If you need help, or just to talk to someone, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.