RALEIGH - Darlene MacQuaide of Fayetteville threw up her hands and screamed, “Yea!” after uncovering the red letters that read she was the winner of $50,000 a year for life. MacQuaide was one of the ten finalists who participated in the $130 Million Grand Prize Bonus drawing held Wednesday.
Following the drawing, MacQuaide said she was at a loss for words, but was thrilled about being the grand prize winner. The NCEL presented her with her first check, which was $34,003.20 after taxes. She will receive a check every year for the rest of her life for that amount.
When asked what plans she had for her prize money she said, “I’m going to take me a little vacation.” She added, “I’m also going to make sure three schools in our area get some of it.”
The North Carolina Education Lottery held five preliminary drawings to select finalists for the grand prize bonus drawing. Then on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the finalists gathered at WRAL-TV studios in Raleigh. They all randomly selected an oversized $130 Million Blockbuster ticket replica and while the cameras were rolling, they simultaneously uncovered their prize.
