IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         CONTACT: David Workman

March 17, 2006                                                                                                       (208) 334-2600

 

$200,000 Powerball Winner Sandy Libecki

 

Boise – Sandy Libecki usually does not play Powerball on the Wednesday draw, but she found herself in the Fred Meyer on Overland and Five Mile in Boise shopping for a Friday night dinner party with her friends and thought, “What the heck.” She picked up a $3 quick pick on her way out of the store. It turned out to be a very lucky purchase.

 

The 22-year Boise resident had no idea she’d matched five numbers, but not the Powerball, until about 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning. “My best friend called and asked me if I’d purchased a Powerball ticket for Wednesday night,” Libecki explained. “I said, ‘yes’ and she told me she heard on the news Lottery Officials were looking for a winner and to check my tickets.”

 

She checked her tickets in the paper and on-line for more than hour before contacting the Lottery. “It’s a good thing I got some sleep last night,” she said excitedly.  Libecki matched five numbers, 7-12-36-48-54 and had a Powerball number of 41.  The winning Powerballnumber was 37.  Had she matched the Powerball number she would have claimed the jackpot of $75 million.  After Federal and State taxes, Libecki will take home $134,400.

 

Libecki lives in Southwest Boise and cares for her elderly mother.  She’s been playing the lottery for several years, “but never more than a dollar here or there. Usually just one or two dollars,” she said. “I guess I just got $2 back, with interest!”

 

Libecki’s six dinner guests tonight were to be treated to Cornish game hens.  “We weren’t planning on having champagne, but we’re going to now!” she exclaimed in delight.

 

For their part in selling the winning ticket, Fred Meyer received a check for $20,000. “Fred Meyer is proud to be an integral part of the community by supporting the Idaho Lottery and their mission of benefiting our area schools,” said Dana Richcreek, the Store Director.

 

The Powerball Jackpot for Saturday night’s draw is estimated at $88 million.

 

The Idaho Lottery – benefiting public schools and buildings.

 

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