RALEIGH – Andris Zarins, a retired senior data processing manager from Mooresville, plans to use the $110,757 jackpot he won playing Carolina Cash 5 to pay down his mortgage.

Zarins used family birthdates and random numbers to match all five numbers in the March 31 drawing. He learned of his big win when he called the lottery’s player hotline the next morning.

“I’ve been playing those numbers for a couple of years now,” Zarins said. “I’ve come close a few times, but this time it really paid off. I’m thrilled.”

Zarins purchased the lucky ticket at the Smokes Mooresville on River Highway in Mooresville.

After state and federal taxes were withheld, Zarins collected a check for $76,699. He beat odds of 1 in 575,757 to win the jackpot. The jackpot for the Wednesday, April 8 Cash 5 drawing is $89,000.

Zarins had one of two tickets that matched all five numbers in the March 31 drawing to split the $221,514 jackpot. The second $110,757 prize was claimed by John Matt, a mechanical designer from Fuquay-Varina.

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 $52 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Iredell County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.