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Goose Creek Lottery Player Enjoys “Fun & Games” with Pat and Vanna

5/14/2012 9:29:19 AM

COLUMBIA, SC (May 14, 2012) – Here’s a puzzler. How did Thomas Laprise of Goose Creek manage to turn a losing lottery ticket into a winner?

Luck did the trick.

Out of more than 68,000 entries, his non-winning Wheel of Fortune® ticket was picked to win a trip to Hollywood, CA, in the Lottery’s Wheel of Fortune® second-chance promotion. Two other South Carolina Education Lottery winners, Gary Rodriquez of Lancaster and Tom Goen of Spartanburg, also enjoyed the April 24-28 vacation valued at $12,500.

In Hollywood, Laprise joined lottery winners from across the nation all eager to hear their name called to play a lottery players-only non-broadcast version of the game show with Pat Sajak and Vanna White. No surprise, Laprise was one of the chosen ones.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” he said.

Laprise solved two puzzles.

“THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG” won him a trip to Hawaii and a handshake from the host.

“DENVER COLORADO” netted him $4,300.

He left with $10,300 in cash and prizes. Winnings he’ll put towards his student loans.

“I’m a lucky guy,” Laprise said. “I can’t wait to enter the Lottery’s next promotion.”

© 2012 Califon Productions, Inc. Wheel of Fortune is a registered trademark of Califon Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

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