A Monroe County man had to fight back tears after winning $4 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s Millionaire’s Club instant game.
Mark Clark, of South Rockwood, bought his winning ticket at the 127 Party Store, located at 4938 South Meridian Road in Hudson.
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“Every time I start to talk about winning, I know if I don’t laugh I’ll cry because I’m so happy to have had such good fortune and to be able to retire securely someday and take care of my family,” Clark said, fighting back tears.
“I deliver fuel to the 127 Party Store every day, and on Friday I stopped to buy a Millionaire’s Club ticket on my way out the door,” said Clark. “I always just scratch the bar code off and scan it to see if it’s a winner. This time, the ticket said to see the clerk, so I handed it to the store’s owner.
“He scanned the ticket and told me I’d have to go to the Lottery to claim the prize. As we were talking, he scratched the rest of the ticket and then looked at me with a shocked look on his face and said: ‘Mark, you just won $4 million!’”
After celebrating with the store owner, Clark took his truck back to work and then went to his parent’s house to share the good news.
“I gathered my family in the house and called my aunt on the phone,” said Clark. “When I told them all the good news, they couldn’t believe it and were so happy for me. It’s been an overwhelming experience.”
The 47-year-old Clark visited Lottery headquarters Wednesday to claim his big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $2.5 million, rather than annuity payments totaling $4 million. With his winnings, he plans to buy new vehicles for himself and his son, buy a bass boat, and give his family a special Christmas.
Players have won more than $51 million playing Millionaire’s Club, which launched in June. Each $30 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $30 up to $4 million. More than $99 million in prizes remain, including two $4 million top prizes, 19 $10,000 prizes, and 219 $2,000 prizes.
Lottery instant games may be purchased at 11,000 retailers across the state. In 2016, Lottery players won nearly $817 million playing instant games.