A couple from Monroe County in Pennsylvania has made history by becoming the first-ever winners of the $7 million top prize in the Cash4Life® multi-state lottery game.
Stephen Juhasz III and his wife, Shana, bought the winning ticket for the January 3 drawing from a GIANT Food Store in Northampton County. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the fortunate ticket.
Shana’s unexpected win came about when she decided to buy a lottery ticket during a routine grocery shopping trip. While grabbing ice cream and donuts for their daughter, she opted for the Quick Pick option and chose the winning numbers. The following day, the couple was overjoyed to learn that they had become millionaires.
Stephen, working as a general manager at a fast-food restaurant, was interrupted by a call from Shana notifying him of their win. Excitedly, he quickly verified the win on the Pennsylvania Lottery app and promptly left work to celebrate.
The couple made the decision to take the $7 million in cash instead of the $1,000 per day for life annuity. Once taxes are deducted, they are expected to receive approximately $5,105,100. With their winnings, they intend to pay off their student loans, invest, save, and treat their children to a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Disney.
For the first time since Pennsylvania became a member of Cash4Life in 2015, the state has bestowed the coveted top prize. In a joyous celebration, officials from the Pennsylvania Lottery and GIANT Food Stores presented the Juhasz family with a commemorative check to honor their incredible win.
Funds generated by the game continue to support programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians, as emphasized by the Pennsylvania Lottery.