A 44-year-old Washtenaw County woman won $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery's Tax Free $500,000 Instant Game.
"I honestly didn't really think anyone ever won these huge prizes," said the winner, who chose to remain anonymous. "I was always skeptical about the Lottery, but winning has changed my life and made me a believer!"
"My boyfriend and I were out and stopped to buy a few tickets," said the 44-year-old player. "We had passed by a BP gas station I wanted to stop at, so I made him turn around so we could stop and buy our tickets there. For some reason, it just felt like we might end up being lucky if we played there.
"We scratched the tickets off in the car and cried tears of joy when we saw we had a $500,000 winner. Saying we were shocked would be an understatement. Ironically, the gas station we bought the ticket at is closed now."
With her winnings, she plans to buy a new home, vehicle and then save the remainder.
"Winning is a dream come true. It gives me and my family opportunity I never thought was possible," the player said.
