LANSING, March 22, 2006 – Three very lucky friends are $250,000 richer today. The Mad Money Enterprises Lottery Club picked up their Mega Millions prize money for matching the first five white balls in the Mega Millions drawing on March 14.

The eye doctor, business owner and mortgage broker from East Lansing had only played together for a week before their good fortune struck! They couldn’t believe their luck when a retailer told them they had the winning ticket. 

The group members plan to pay bills and donate some of their winnings to charity. The all enjoy golf and participating in their “investment club” in their free time.

The lucky winning easy pick ticket was purchased at Speedway #8796, 2558 E. Jolly Rd., in Lansing.

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.

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 2005, the contribution was $667.6 million.

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

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