For Melba Avery of Pisgah Forest, winning a $2 million scratch-off prize means “the car of her dreams” and maybe a new business.
“I’ll be able to live comfortably,” said Avery. “And I can take care of my family.”
Avery, a U.S. Forest Service cafeteria supervisor, bought her $20 Premier Cash ticket from One Stop 3 on Hendersonville Highway in Pisgah Forest.
“When I saw how much I won, I immediately fell to my knees,” said Avery. “The lady at the register told me I had to claim at an office.”
When Avery claimed her prize Friday at lottery headquarters, she had the choice of receiving the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. She chose the $1.2 million lump sum, and after required federal and state withholdings, took home $855,006.
“I can get the car of my dreams,” said Avery. “Maybe I’ll get an Infiniti or an Escalade in cream or black.”
Avery plans to seek professional financial advice to help manage her winnings. In addition to trading in her car, she plans to help her church and eventually start a landscaping or courier business.
The Premier Cash game debuted in August 2021 with four top prizes of $2 million and eight $100,000 prizes. Since Avery won the last top prize, the lottery will end the game.
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