Jacqueline Quinones Wins Top Prize Playing "Cashword 17"| Winner: | Jacqueline Quinones |
| Claim Date: | |
| Game: | CASHWORD 17 |
| Prize: | $25,000 |
| Retailer: | 7-Eleven Store #27640C, Waterbury |
No April Fooling, Waterbury Receptionist is $25,000 WinnerAfter counting nine complete word matches on her "Cashword 17" instant ticket yesterday, receptionist Jacqueline Quinones of Waterbury asked her boss to take a second look at it, just to make sure she was correct. “Nine words…you just won $1,000,” Quinones’ boss exclaimed. But, when she got home later, Quinones’ youngest son looked at the same Cashword 17 ticket and pointed out her mistake—she had a 10 word match and instead of $1,000, Quinones was really a $25,000 top prize winner. “My heart went ‘Boom,’ and I started crying,” Quinones told lottery officials. “I honestly thought I would wake up and it would be an April Fool’s joke.”
Fortunately for Quinones, when she woke today, April 1, she was still, indeed, a $25,000 top prize winner. While winning the top prize was certainly an exciting experience, Quinones says that she’s a “Cashword” instant game fan, regardless of the win. “I love playing these games. I even find new ways to scratch the ticket, just to make it last longer.”
Quinones arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim her check for $17,126 (prize value after taxes). “I couldn’t sleep last night; I was tossing and turning,” said Quinones. “All I could think about was how happy I was.”
In addition to her plans of buying her eldest of two sons a much needed car, when prompted, Quinones finally thought of one gift she would consider buying for herself. “Maybe I’ll go to a spa for a day of relaxation…I would love that,” Quinones said.
For selling Quinones her top prize winning ticket, 7-Eleven Store, located on 334 W. Main Street in Waterbury, will receive a $250 bonus check from the CT Lottery.
