Most people put their valuables in a safe place, but when Patrick Blunt of Greensboro found out he had a Crossword Money Multiplier scratch-off ticket worth $100,000, he didn’t let it out of his sight.

“I just got nervous,” Blunt said. “I ended up sleeping on top of the ticket.”

His nerves went away when he claimed his prize Wednesday. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $69,251. He plans to use the money to take a cruise and make sure his family has a great Christmas.

Blunt bought the $5 scratch-off ticket at the Pantry Shop on East Lexington Avenue in High Point.

Crossword Money Multiplier launched in January with eight top prizes of $100,000. One top prize remains.

Ticket sales from games like Crossword Money Multiplier made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million for the state last year. For details on how more than $207.8 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Guilford County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.