Woman, Facing Homelessness, Hits It Big In Lottery

CLARKSTON, MI – Shawna Donnelly was facing homelessness – and then the lottery happened. The 50-year-old Clarkston resident picked the right five numbers in the Jan. 15 Lucky For Life drawing.

"The last year has been the most difficult of my life," she told Michigan lottery officials. "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 claimed her prize Monday, taking a lump sum option of $390,000 instead of the annuity payments for life. Donnelly plans to use the money to buy a new home and car, then save the rest. She bought the ticket at the 7-Eleven store at 7743 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston.

“I woke up in the middle of the night and had a feeling I should check my tickets," Donnelly said. "When I saw I matched five numbers, I must have refreshed my phone 100 times to make sure I really won."

Her winning numbers were: 11-15-32-33-40.

To win the game’s top prize of $1,000 a day for life, players must match all five winning numbers ranging from 1 to 48, plus one Lucky Ball ranging from 1 to 18. Players who match all five winning numbers, but not the Lucky Ball, will win $25,000 a year for life. Lucky For Life drawings take place every Monday and Thursday at 10:35 p.m.

Image via the Michigan Lottery