CLARKSTON, Mich. – A Clarkston woman was facing homelessness until she won $25,000 a year for life playing Lucky For Life through the Michigan Lottery.
Shawna Donnelly, 50, matched the five white balls drawn Jan. 15 -- 11-15-32-33-40 -- to win the big prize. She bought her winning ticket at the 7-Eleven at 7743 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston.
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"I woke up in the middle of the night and had a feeling I should check my tickets,"Â Donnelly said. "When I saw I matched five numbers, I must have refreshed my phone 100 times to make sure I really won.
"The last year has been the most difficult of my life. I've been taking care of my mom full-time, and it's hard to make ends meet. Winning this prize couldn't have come at a better time."
Donnelly visited lottery headquarters Monday to claim her prize. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $390,000, rather than annuity payments for 20 years or life, whichever is greater.
With her winnings, Donnelly plans to buy a new home and car, then save the remainder.