News writer, Interviewer
A quick stop for ice cream and donuts turned into a life-changing moment for Monroe County residents Stephen and Shana Juhasz. The couple claimed Pennsylvania's first-ever Cash4Life top prize of $7 million, marking a historic win in the multi-state lottery game.
The path to millions
Shana Juhasz made an ordinary trip to GIANT Food Stores to pick up treats for their daughter. On this visit, she deviated from her usual Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, opting instead for a Quick Pick Cash4Life ticket.
Stephen explained:
She normally buys a Powerball and Mega Millions ticket and sometimes she'll buy a random ticket. This time she randomly bought Cash4Life.
Stephen recalled receiving the surprising call from his wife while working as a general manager at a fast-food restaurant:
I told her to scan the ticket on the PA Lottery app. As she's reading the results to me, I said, 'Can you read them to me again?' As she's reading, I screamed and ran out of work. I called my boss and told him I had to leave.
Life-changing plans
The Juhasz family chose the $7 million lump sum option over the $1,000-a-day-for-life annuity, receiving approximately $5.1 million after taxes. The couple has clear plans for their windfall. Shana's nursing practitioner school loans top their priority list, along with clearing Stephen's student debt. They also plan to secure their future through savings and investments. But it's not all about fiscal responsibility – the family is excited to create magical memories with a trip to Disney World.
Stephen shared:
My wife is going to school to become a nurse practitioner, so this will help pay off her loan. I'll pay off my student loan, we'll save some money and invest, and we'll take the kids to Disney!
Pennsylvania's lottery milestone
This win represents the first top prize awarded in Pennsylvania since the state joined Cash4Life in April 2015. The game has generated significant benefits for Pennsylvania:
- $250 million in total sales
- $92 million in profits supporting older residents
- $98 million in prizes awarded to players
- 17 second-tier prizes of $1,000 a week for life
The winning retailer, GIANT Food Stores, received a $10,000 bonus for selling the lucky ticket.
About Cash4Life
Cash4Life offers nightly drawings at 9 p.m. ET with tickets costing $2. Players choose five numbers from 1-60 and one Cash Ball number from 1-4. The game features multiple prize tiers, with the odds of winning the top prize at 1 in 21.8 million.
The Pennsylvania Lottery remains unique as the only state lottery dedicating all proceeds to programs benefiting older residents. Since 1972, it has contributed over $36.2 billion to support various senior services, including property tax rebates, transportation, and care services.
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