‘All That Glitters is Gold’ for First Time Lottery Winner of $500,000Frank Saunders is seeing “Gold” with his surprise top prize win! The Old Saybrook resident has rarely played CT Lottery games but decided to purchase a “
Gold Premium Play” ticket before leaving work. “I have a friend who enjoys [instant] games, he would win a few dollars here and there and I always teased him,” said Saunders with a smile. The lucky winner decided to take the top prize lump sum valued at $360,000.
After revealing his top prize, Saunders wasn’t sure of what he was seeing. “I couldn’t believe it. I asked the [retailer], ‘Can you explain this to me? Is this correct?’ The [retailer] said, ‘Yeah, you’re a winner!’” With reality setting in, Saunders immediately went to www.CTLottery.org to see how late the headquarters was open.
“I have to get to the lottery because I just won a lot, I think I can make it!” Saunders told the clerk as he left. “I’m just so shocked—I still don’t believe it.” The first time winner told his parents about his big win but is saving the surprise for his wife.
Saunders was very thankful when he received his check, “This means I now own my home.” He plans to pay off the mortgage and various bills. To make things even better, Saunders cheered as he realized that, “It’s pay day today too!”
For selling the winning ticket, Food Bag #509 located on 1652 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook will receive a $5,000 check from the CT Lottery.
