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Pawleys Island Man’s $200,000 Lottery Win Saves His Home

1/13/2011 7:54:43 AM

COLUMBIA, SC (January 13, 2011) – Winning the Lottery couldn’t have come at a better time for John Davis.

The Pawleys Island resident told lottery officials he was $2 away from foreclosure on his home when he won $200,000 playing Palmetto Cash 5.

“Financially, it has been a tough year for me,” he shared. “It has been a huge financial struggle for me, and this win will get me back on my feet.”

He credits the win to his 3-year-old daughter’s appetite.

She was with Davis when he purchased the soon-to-be winning ticket. She started complaining she was hungry, so instead of picking his own numbers, to save time, he got a quick pick. Davis still can’t believe his little girl’s craving for chicken nuggets and fries made the difference.

Divine intervention also played a part.

“I went to church on Sunday, and I asked God for some help,” said Davis, who was facing a hearing this week on the fate of his home.

His prayers were answered yesterday morning when he checked his ticket at work at the Ford dealership in Pawleys Island. Davis screamed when all five numbers drawn in the Tuesday, January 11, Palmetto Cash 5 drawing (1 - 9 - 14 - 28 - 33 Power-Up - 2) matched. His decision to purchase Power-Up, for an additional $1, multiplied his winnings by “2” to $200,000.

“I’m having a good day,” he told lottery officials at the Charleston Claims Center where he redeemed the ticket.

The single father of two plans to use the winnings to secure his home.

Scotchman #124 in Garden City sold the winning ticket. Every retailer that sells a claimed ticket of $10,000 or more earns a 1 percent retailer commission, capped at $50,000. Scotchamn #124 received $2,000.

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