Wellington, Ohio – A routine stop for lottery tickets turned into an unforgettable moment for a Wellington woman after a store clerk’s suggestion led to a life-changing win.
The woman entered Saini Stores Sunoco while her husband waited in the car. As she considered her options, the clerk held up a $30 Extreme Millions Scratch-Off and encouraged her to try it, saying, “Pick this one. It’s probably a winner.” She hesitated at first, worried about spending that much on a single ticket, but ultimately decided to follow the advice.
A Surprise Win in the Parking Lot
After returning to the car, she scratched the ticket and quickly realized something extraordinary had happened. She turned to her husband and exclaimed, “Are you ready for this?” before revealing that they had won $40,000 a year for 25 years.
Still in disbelief, she returned to the store to scan the ticket, where the clerk who suggested the purchase was stunned by the result.
The couple later chose the lump-sum cash option of $500,000 rather than the annuity payments. After 26.75 percent in state and federal taxes, they will receive $366,250.
They plan to use part of the winnings to purchase a new vehicle — possibly two — and save the remainder for the future.
What began as a quick stop for lottery tickets became a remarkable moment shaped by hesitation, chance, and a clerk’s confident suggestion. The unexpected win has given the couple new financial flexibility and plans for the future, turning an ordinary errand into a lasting memory.
