LANSING, August 26, 2005– A very lucky Dearborn man was in shock when he matched all five white balls, without matching the Mega ball, to win $250,000 in the August 23 Mega Millions drawing.

The Mega Millions prize structure changed beginning with the June 24 drawing when California became part of the Mega Millions game. The previous prize for matching five white balls, without matching the Mega ball was $175,000.

The 22-year-old winner, Fadi Elali, said his “heart stopped” when he saw all five of his numbers on the terminal printout. Elali said he doesn’t usually play the Lottery, but he does enjoy playing Mega Millions and buying Instant tickets.

He plans to use his money to pay for college and start a business. The lucky easy pick ticket was purchased at the Reda Group Gas and Food, 13841 Ford Rd., in Dearborn.

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game in Michigan, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

All proceeds from the Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan. In fiscal year 2004, the contribution was $644.8 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.

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