Benefiting Idaho public schools and buildings

 

IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         CONTACT: David Workman

September 28, 2006                                                                                                   (208) 334-2600

 

Boise Woman Returns from Business Trip, Claims $200,000

 

Boise – Mary Johnson said she felt like she was having a heart attack when she learned she held a winning $200,000 Powerball ticket.

 

“My heart was pounding, my hands were shaking and I kept saying Oh my god! Oh my god!” exclaimed the life long Boise resident.  

 

Johnson purchased her ticket from the downtown Winco Foods store Saturday night before the big $203 Million draw on a whim. “I play scratch tickets and keep the winners handy in case I run out of money for gas,” she confessed. “I usually only buy a $1 Powerball ticket and not very often,” said the 50 year-old Boise woman.

 

This time Johnson bought a $4 quick pick thinking she was just going to make a contribution to the schools. Instead, it turned out to be the right ticket. “It was the best four dollars I ever spent,” she said with a big smile.

 

Johnson contacted Lottery Officials before immediately leaving town for a business conference for three days. “It was a pre-planned trip to attend a trade show for my work,” said the self-employed graphic artist.  Johnson has owned the 24/7 Sign Shoppe in Boise since 1998 and operates it with her daughters Megan and Kelli.

 

“It’s been hard to sleep and focus on work,” she explained. “Even now it still feels like a dream.”

 

After taxes, Johnson will take home $134,800.  Her plans for the windfall are modest. “I want to make it stretch as long as possible,” she said. “I’m going to invest some in my business, buy a Jacuzzi for the house and give my two daughters $1,000 each to shop.”

 

“We’re going to make Mom shop, too,” winked Kelli with a wide grin. 

 

For their part in selling the winning ticket, the Winco Foods Store on Myrtle and Front Streets in downtown Boise received a bonus check from the Idaho Lottery for $20,000.

 

Photo of the winner is available.

 

# # #