RALEIGH – Retired Army Sgt. Maj. George Brooks plans to use the $1 million he won playing the $200 Million Blowout game to buy a new home, help the homeless and donate to the ASPCA.

“There are a lot of people and a lot of animals in this world that need our help,” said Brooks, who lives in Fayetteville. “This money is going to do just that. And I’m going to rescue a dog and give him a good home in my new house.”

Brooks purchased the lucky $20 ticket at the Boulevard BP/Amoco on Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville on Sunday.

“I normally buy a few one dollar tickets,” Brooks said. “But something made me buy a $20 ticket that day. When I scratched it, I thought maybe I’d won my money back. When the clerk scanned the ticket and told me what I had won, I got so excited. It was a good investment, that’s for sure.”

A $1 million prize in the game can be claimed in 20 annuity payments of $50,000, or a one-time payment of $600,000. Brooks opted for the lump sum, worth $415,506 after required state and federal withholdings.

“I may also buy an RV and travel around the United States and visit family,” Brooks said as he collected his winnings. “This feels absolutely fabulous.”

The $200 Million Blowout game went on sale on Oct. 7, 2014. As of Wednesday afternoon, three $4 million top prizes and 13 $1 million prizes remain to be claimed in the game.

“I think it’s very important to remember to be responsible when you play the lottery,” Brooks added. “I play for entertainment purposes and I don’t use my lunch money.”

Ticket sales made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion for the state last year. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $132.8 million in lottery funds have made a difference for specific education programs in Cumberland County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.