Retired Abingdon grandmother wins more than $22,600
Tissues became a must-have item at Lottery Headquarters on April Fools’ Day, as an Abingdon woman and her granddaughter received the surprise of a lifetime. They were attempting to claim what they thought was a $1,000 Racetrax prize. Tears flowed freely when they learned the retired grocery store employee had actually won $22,615.50.
“I only play when I am out with my girlfriend,” said the still-in-shock 72-year-old. “I only tried Racetrax because she loves the game.”
They enjoy playing Racetrax at Constant Friendship Exxon at 3424 Emmorton Road in Abingdon. When told later that her ticket was a winner but that it could not be cashed at the retailer, she had an idea of what she’d won – or so she thought. “It looked to me like I had won $1,000. I was very excited and asked my granddaughter to go with me to the Lottery to get the money.”
The Harford County resident was reminded that it was April Fools’ Day when she handed in her winning ticket. “They told me that I had more than $20,000 coming and I was sure they were joking with me,” she said. Assured that the prize was real, the granddaughter burst into tears.
“We were both so surprised,” she said. “We had no idea at all.”
Later, when talking to Lottery officials about the help she’d be able to give to her family with her Racetrax prize, our winner’s emotions took over. “I still can’t comprehend this. This really will make a huge difference in my life.”
Along with sharing her good fortune with the ones she loves, the mother and grandmother will dedicate most of her prize to her savings. “I will keep a bit for when my girlfriend and I get together at our hangout. Maybe the luck will still be there.”
The lucky retailer also benefits from her win. For selling the prize-winning ticket, the retailer will receive a $226.15 bonus from the Lottery.