March 25, 2011 -- As a firefighter for the city of Bridgeport, Michael Mellow is trained to be prepared for the unexpected in any type of situation.  Recently, however, Mellow found he was completely unprepared—for the experience of winning $10,000 playing CT Lottery’s Mega Millions® on March 22, 2011.  “You always wonder how you would feel,” Mellow told lottery officials with a laugh.  “My first thought was, ‘Oh my Lord…I don’t believe this!’”

The winning Mega Millions numbers drawn on March 22 were 1 – 14 – 35 – 50 – 53 with the Mega Ball number, which was 43.  Mellow matched four of the first five numbers, plus the Mega Ball on his Quick Pick.  The “4 + 1” prize level in Mega Millions is worth $10,000.

Tonight, the Mega Millions jackpot is worth a blistering $312 million—currently the largest lottery jackpot in the nation.  This time Mellow is completely prepared for his chance to win.  “I already bought my tickets.  I wouldn’t mind winning $312 million!”

Mellow and his family arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill this morning where he claimed a check for $6,850 (the prize value after taxes).  “There are bills to pay, but tonight we’ll go out to dinner to celebrate,” said Mellow.

Vahora LLC, located at 406 Huntington Turnpike in Bridgeport, sold Mellow his winning ticket and will receive a $100 bonus from the CT Lottery for doing so.